Nicole Tolton

Operations Associate

Phoenix, Arizona, United States9 yrs 1 mo experience

Highly StableAI Enabled

Key Highlights

Over a decade of experience in public policy leadership.
Expert in regulatory strategy and interagency collaboration.
Proven track record in transforming complex regulations into actionable policies.

Stackforce AI infers this person is a Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs expert with extensive experience in government operations.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Regulatory Strategy & RulemakingProject ManagementPolicy AnalysisPublic Sector Leadership

Other Skills

AnalysisCritical ThinkingInterpersonal SkillsResearchState LawsPresentationsMicrosoft WordWritingSummarizing InformationWritten CommunicationShareholder CommunicationsRegulatory AffairsPublic SpeakingMicrosoft OfficePublic Relations

About

As a results-driven public policy leader with over a decade of experience in state government, I specialize in transforming complex regulatory frameworks into clear, actionable policy. At the Arizona Department of Economic Security, I’ve led cross-functional teams to modernize administrative operations, drive interagency rulemaking initiatives, and uphold compliance with federal and state mandates. Recognized for a collaborative mindset and strong leadership and communication skills, I excel at cultivating meaningful partnerships and sustaining a positive, goal-driven culture across diverse teams. Core strengths: ✔ Regulatory Strategy & Rulemaking ✔ Public Sector Leadership ✔ Lean Process Improvements ✔ Cross-Agency Collaboration ✔ Legislative & Policy Analysis ✔ Strategic Planning & Execution Let’s connect if you’re looking for someone who understands how to navigate government complexity and deliver results with integrity.

Experience

9 yrs 1 mo

Total Experience

8 yrs 6 mos

Average Tenure

7 mos

Current Experience

American express

Compliance Analyst, Transaction Monitoring – Operations, Reg Exam & Oversight

Oct 2025 – Present · 7 mos · Phoenix, Arizona, United States · Hybrid

Research and analysis of Transaction Monitoring Rule Program processes/procedures and requirements to further the transaction monitoring program’s transition from the current PRSA to the new RCSA Control environment
Extensively develop and maintain RCSA controls & testing requirements going forward as the new control environment expands
Perform extensive testing workloads within the evolving new control environment
Conduct data research and gathering evidence needed for draft responses to various periodic US & International Regulatory Exams and internal audits that examine the Transaction Monitoring Rule Program (TMRP)
Evaluate and perform analyses on datasets to provide accurate up-channel reporting to senior leaders
Perform strict timeline driven research and gather data to contribute to official TMRPO responses to requests from auditors and regulators
Develop and document methods used to research, gather, and analyze data
Project and work effort status tracking to ensure accuracy across all platforms, including up-channel reporting to relevant stakeholders
Creation and maintenance of all project-related reporting
Frequent data entry and multi-level validation of project and work effort related documentation to preserve the integrity of enterprise-wide Transaction Monitoring Program
Meet with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to learn about specific processes or products for procedural updates
Assess audience needs for whom the technical and procedural documentation is intended; adjust tone and technical terms used to meet those needs and to ensure understanding

AnalysisCritical ThinkingInterpersonal SkillsProject ManagementResearchRegulatory Strategy & Rulemaking

Arizona department of economic security

4 roles

Rules Coordinator

May 2022 – Oct 2025 · 3 yrs 5 mos

Conduct legal research as required by the Department, including review and analysis of pending legislation, review and edit proposed rules, provide technical assistance and training to Department staff regarding rulemaking, develop agency rulemaking documents and reports that comply with the Arizona Administrative Procedures Act, coordinate with the Attorney General's Office, represent the Department at the Governor's Regulatory Review Council (GRRC) hearings and public hearings concerning proposed DES rules, responsible for preparation of complex and detailed agency reports, including Five-Year-Review reports and DES certifications.

State LawsPresentationsMicrosoft WordProject ManagementWritingPolicy Analysis+5

Policy Chief

Promoted

May 2019 – May 2022 · 3 yrs

Oversee administrative polices and rules for Department, coordinate and submit required federal reports, assist with legislative plans

State LawsPresentationsMicrosoft WordProject ManagementWritingPolicy Analysis+5

Legal/Administrative Rules Analyst

Apr 2018 – May 2019 · 1 yr 1 mo

Conduct legal research as required by the Department, including review and analysis of pending legislation, review and edit proposed rules, provide technical assistance and training to Department staff regarding rulemaking, develop agency rulemaking documents and reports that comply with the Arizona Administrative Procedures Act, coordinate with the Attorney General's Office, represent the Department at the Governor's Regulatory Review Council (GRRC) hearings and public hearings concerning proposed DES rules, responsible for preparation of complex and detailed agency reports, including Five-Year-Review reports and DES certifications.

State LawsMicrosoft WordProject ManagementWritingPolicy AnalysisSummarizing Information+3

Workforce Policy Manager

Apr 2017 – Apr 2018 · 1 yr

Lead team of 5 policy specialists specializing in employment and training programs, including Wagner-Peyser, Trade Adjustment Assistance, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I-B, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Employment & Training Program, and the Jobs Program. Ensure all policies are current and stakeholders, staff, and the public are aware of changes based on federal laws, rules, and regulations. Contributing member of work group tasked with creating standard work using Lean methods to develop more efficient strategies to achieve goals and metrics. Provide support and feedback to staff so that work is completed by deadlines. Review and approve timesheets and leave requests. Provide annual performance reviews and address areas of concern. Provide customer service to internal and external customers to ensure questions regarding programs and policies are addressed. Provide support to executive management by completing reports, assisting with writing state plans for programs, conducting research and analysis, and making recommendations for best course of action.

PresentationsMicrosoft WordProject ManagementWritingPolicy AnalysisSummarizing Information+2