Grace M. Nichols was appointed to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission in March 2008 for a term ending in March 2013. 

Nichols serves as Senior Circuit Judge in St. Charles County, a position she has held since 1999.  Prior to her public service, she spent many years in private law practice.  Nichols graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1959 with a bachelor's degree and received her Juris Doctor from St. Louis University in 1981.

She was also mayor of St. Charles for two terms – elected in 1987 and re-elected in 1991.  Before that she served on the St. Charles city council, as well as its board of adjustment. She also served on the board of directors of the Missouri Municipal League.

Nichols is a former president and current member of the St. Charles County Bar Association, as well as former president and current member of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce.  She was recognized as the chamber’s citizen of the year in 2007.  She is active in many civic organizations, including the United Way, Foundry Art Center, Mosaic Arts Festival, Jaycees, and Youth In Need.

Nichols and her husband John have three children and five grandchildren.