Over the past 12 years, Nicholas Cohen has been a strong advocate for the arts in Maryland as a musician, educator, and administrator. Currently, Nicholas is the executive director of Maryland Citizens for the Arts (MCA). In this role, he oversees the statewide strategy, implementation and engagement for advancing public policy and investment in the Maryland arts sector. Before coming to MCA, he served as director of community engagement and education programs for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, overseeing programming that provided access to music and arts for the Mid-Atlantic region. Nicholas has also served on Baltimore City Mayor Catherine Pugh's Youth Development Committee which was charged with developing a comprehensive plan for Baltimore City youth. An avid musician, Nicholas is currently the contrabassoonist with the National Philharmonic Orchestra in Bethesda, Maryland, and has performed with the Annapolis Symphony, Maryland Symphony Orchestra, Richmond Symphony Orchestra, and other ensembles throughout North America. Nicholas and his partner, Stephanie, a professional flutist and musical entrepreneur, reside in Baltimore City where both are deeply invested in utilizing the arts as a vehicle to help build and sustain local communities. Nicholas received his Bachelors of music with a minor in developmental psychology from the University of Florida, FL, and a Masters of music performance in Bassoon from Carnegie Mellon University, PA.