Bonnie Nickerson

Bonnie is passionate about the power of public spaces to enhance safety, community, and wellbeing. She brings more than 20 years of experience advancing equitable, people-centered urban planning and transformative community development to her role at Toole Design. A strategic and collaborative leader, she is known for translating bold ideas into projects that strengthen communities, expand mobility choice, and elevate the quality of life.

Before joining Toole Design, she served as Executive Director of the Roger Williams Park Conservancy and as City Planning Director in Providence, Rhode Island. There, she led major initiatives including the Great Streets Master Plan, the Urban Trail Network, Imagine Downtown Providence, the City’s first Affordable Housing Plan, and civic infrastructure and redevelopment projects such as the Michael Van Leesten Pedestrian Bridge. She also concurrently served as Executive Director of the Providence Redevelopment Agency, overseeing citywide redevelopment efforts, corridor plans, affordable housing investments, and the revitalization of historic and underutilized properties. Recognized for her vision, integrity, and commitment to community-driven outcomes, she is passionate about shaping healthy, vibrant, and inclusive places throughout the Northeast.

Outside of work, Bonnie can be found hiking on the many trails of Rhode Island with her dog and family, exploring new cities, biking with her teens, working on her ping pong game, or hunting for the best coffee.