Nygina Mills

Nygina’s Biography

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Nygina Mills is a highly regarded legal and governance professional with experience in the aerospace, defense and financial services sectors and expertise in regulations, contracts and compliance. Throughout her career, she has held a wide range of leadership, board and committee roles and has been recognized with many professional and academic honors and awards.

Nygina has served in numerous leadership positions, including Associate General Counsel, Financial Law at SBA where among many responsibilities, she led the legal oversight of the $852B loan portfolio and $26B small business investment company venture capital portfolio (SBIC), while interacting with major financial institutions in the US.

Prior to this role, Nygina was Director, Strategic Initiatives Directorate at the US Department of Education. She oversaw all sub-agency strategic initiatives for 1,600 employees with a $70 million annual budget dedicated to administering $120B in annual nationwide loan funds and a total lending portfolio of $1.4T in outstanding loans.

Other senior roles include Associate General... Nygina Mills is a highly regarded legal and governance professional with experience in the aerospace, defense and financial services sectors and expertise in regulations, contracts and compliance. Throughout her career, she has held a wide range of leadership, board and committee roles and has been recognized with many professional and academic honors and awards.

Nygina has served in numerous leadership positions, including Associate General Counsel, Financial Law at SBA where among many responsibilities, she led the legal oversight of the $852B loan portfolio and $26B small business investment company venture capital portfolio (SBIC), while interacting with major financial institutions in the US.

Prior to this role, Nygina was Director, Strategic Initiatives Directorate at the US Department of Education. She oversaw all sub-agency strategic initiatives for 1,600 employees with a $70 million annual budget dedicated to administering $120B in annual nationwide loan funds and a total lending portfolio of $1.4T in outstanding loans.

Other senior roles include Associate General Counsel, Contracts at the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), where Nygina led US and international legal advisory on contract cost resolutions under Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARs), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARs), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), M&A, joint ventures and divestitures. Prior, she served as Associate Counsel at the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), where she regulated companies such as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin and Boeing. In these roles, Nygina was counterparty to Fortune 100 public company counsel.

Nygina also served as a Partner at private law firms, most recently FisherBroyles, LLP where she specialized in advising clients in contracts, corporate securities, licensing, private equity, M&As, IPOs and private placements.

Nygina earned a J.D. from Harvard Law School and is an alum of Harvard Business School. moreless

Nygina’s Newsfeed

Stanford AI Symposium

Stanford Rock Center for Corporate Governance: AI Symposium

Nygina Mills will participate in this symposium taking place on November 13th. Hosted by Stanford Rock Center for Corporate Governance and Stanford Center for Legal Informatics (CodeX), the event is designed to equip boards and business leaders with essential knowledge and insights into the world of AI.

Nygina’s Background

Federal Executive Branch

Associate General Counsel, Financial Law and Lender Oversight | Counsel | Senior Advisor

2022 - Present

Washington, DC, USA

Among her many responsibilities, Nygina has been responsible for the legal strategic direction of the SBA's $852B loan portfolios and the $26B small business investment company venture capital portfolio (SBIC). As legal counsel to the Office of Investment and Innovation, she advised the SBA on financing capital, research and development grants, and provides legal support to SBIC Program Offices.

United States Department of Education

Director | Strategic Initiatives Directorate

2020 - 2022

Washington, DC, USA

Nygina oversaw all sub-agency strategic initiatives for the world's 5th largest bank, 1,600 employees with a $68M annual budget dedicated to administering $120B in annual nationwide grant, work-study and loan funds, and a total lending portfolio of $1.4T in outstanding loans. She managed the Idea Lab staff of 30 and $3-4M in annual operating cost for executive initiatives and strategic direction.

United States Department of Defense | Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA)

Assistant General Counsel, Contracts

2017 - 2020

Fort Belvoir, VA, USA

Nygina served as a Top-3 HQ SME attorney in charge of U.S. and international legal advisory at DoD’s Comptroller agency, employing 5k auditing and fiscal professionals located at more than 300 offices across US, Europe, Asia and the Pacific examining annually $300B in costs and producing 5k audit reports each FY on contract cost resolutions under FARs, DFARs, and CAS.

Defense Contract Management Agency

Associate Counsel, Contracts

2012 - 2017

Fort Lee, VA, USA

Nygina provided legal guidance on federal contracting, cost, pricing and Contracting Officer Final Decisions (COFDs) for DCMA business teams at agency administering annually $300-400B in contract costs, served as Chief Lead Counsel for the Northrop Corporate and Divisional Administrative Contracting Officers, and implemented the full-scale regulation of defense contractors.

FisherBroyles, LLP

Partner | Private Practice

2010 - 2012

Washington, DC, USA

Nygina served as an executive and founding member within the Commercial & Government Contracts practice, overseeing $10M in billables. She also provided legal support to Morgan Stanley's General Counsel for global business outsourcing, managing derivatives and mortgage-backed securities.

Perry Krumsiek & Jack, LLP

Partner | Private Practice

2008 - 2010

Washington, DC, USA

As Partner, Nygina’s specialization was in business advisory and representation on corporate and government contract matters in the areas of FAR, DFARs and other laws pertaining to government contracts. Nygina also provided corporate law advisory across emerging AI, digital cloud and database companies in compliance and regulatory matters.

United States Department of Transportation

Trial Attorney

2004 - 2008

Washington, DC, USA

Nygina informally led a team of 15 employees that provided broad legal advice and representation for the U.S. Department of Transportation, including procurement and contracts matters for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

United States Department of Defense

Trial Attorney | Office of The Secretary of Defense – General Counsel

2002 - 2004

Washington, DC, USA

Nygina served as a senior trial counsel and legal advisor representing DOD in matters of security clearance approvals and denials under DOD Directive 5220.6. She managed litigation and participated in hearings before DOD administrative law judges (Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals), including witness examination and cross examination, litigation memoranda, legal research and analysis.

Paul Hastings, LLP

Corporate Attorney | Private Practice

2000 - 2001

New York, NY, USA

Gained expert knowledge of 1933 and 1934 Securities and Exchange Acts. Filed corporate securities with the SEC including 10Q's, 10K's and 8K's, drafted general corporate documents, i.e. asset/stock purchase and sale agreements, stakeholder agreements and software licensing agreements.

Nixon, Peabody, LLP

Corporate Associate Attorney | Private Practice

1998 - 2000

Boston, MA, USA

Nygina worked on general corporate and securities matters, including M&As, private placements and IPOs for venture capital firms, internet providers and private equity firms. Development of corporate documents, i.e. software OEMs, licensing, limited liability and shareholder agreements.

Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP

Corporate Attorney | Private Practice

1997 - 1999

Chicago, IL, USA

Nygina specialized in negotiation leadership on transactions, including revolving credit facilities, private placement of securities and asset sale transactions for Fortune 100 banks, tech companies and insurance firms.

Crowell & Moring, LLP

Commercial Litigation Attorney | Private Practice

1994 - 1997

New York, NY, USA

Crowell & Moring LLP is an international law firm with offices in the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East that advises multinational corporations on regulatory, litigation, corporate, and investigations matters.

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Board Positions

American Bar Association

Vice Chair, Contract Law Section | Commercial Products & Services Committee

2017 - Present

Washington, DC, USA

The Commercial Products & Services Committee reviews and comments on proposed legislation and regulations concerning federal procurement of commercial products and services, including GSA's multiple award schedule. Nygina also served as Vice Chair, Contract Law Section, Accounting Cost & Pricing Committee from 2017 – 2022.

Previous Board Positions

Harvard Law School Alumni Association

Board of Directors

Jan 2017 - Jan 2018

Cambridge, MA, USA

The mission of the HLSA is to advance the cause of legal education, to promote the interests and increase the usefulness of the Harvard Law School, and to promote mutual acquaintance and good fellowship among all members of the Association.

Philanthropy

The Fourth Floor

Mentor

New York, NY, USA

The mission of The Fourth Floor is to close the gender power, wealth and funding gap by advancing for-profit board careers for women, supporting women-led startups and funds, and providing women opportunities to invest in other women.

Harvard W3D: Women in Defense, Diplomacy, and Development

Mentor

Cambridge, MA, USA

Founded in 2013, Harvard W3D is an innovative network dedicated to connecting and cultivating global leaders who work together toward sustainable peace.

Media

Nygina Mills is recognized as NACD Directorship Certified® Share Article

Jul 2023

New York, NY, USA

“I am honored to join the distinguished and diverse group of NACD Certified Directors who are committed to advancing the highest standards of boardroom excellence,” said Nygina Mills, NACD.DC.

Accreditation

National Association of Corporate Directors

Certified Director in Public Company Governance

2023

Arlington, VA, USA

NACD Directorship Certification is a designation that keeps pace with the ongoing changes in corporate governance, positioning directors to meet the biggest boardroom challenges.

Memberships

CodeX | The Stanford Center for Legal Informatics

Member

2023 - Present

Stanford, CA, USA

At CodeX, researchers, lawyers, entrepreneurs and technologists work side-by-side to advance the frontier of legal technology, bringing new levels of legal efficiency, transparency, and access to legal systems around the world. CodeX’s emphasis is on the research and development of computational law (complaw) — the branch of legal informatics concerned with the mechanization of legal reasoning.

Harvard Business School Alumni Angels Association of New York

Member

New York, NY, USA

HBS Alumni Angels of Greater New York is the largest angel group in NY with 350+ angel investors and growing. Our members have invested $20 million across 100+ exciting early stage companies. Its members have extensive experience across industries and like to help strong entrepreneurs succeed.

Harvard Business School Alumni Association

Member

Boston, MA, USA

Nygina is a member of the Boston & New York chapters. The Harvard Alumni Association maintains and enhances a highly engaged, vibrant community of alumni and friends worldwide. It helps connect alumni to the University and each other through community activities, continuing education programs, online services, and events around the world.

Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA)

Member

Washington, DC, USA

The CBCA presides over various disputes involving Federal executive branch agencies. Its primary responsibility is to resolve contract disputes between government contractors and agencies under the Contract Disputes Act.

Chief

C-Suite Member

2022 - Present

Washington, DC, USA

Chief is a private network and the only US and UK-based organization specifically designed for senior women leaders to strengthen their leadership journey, cross-pollinate ideas across industries, and effect change from the top-down.

Athena Alliance

Member

San Francisco, CA, USA

Athena is an international, digital community of top executive women in industry.

Harvard Law School | Women’s Alliance of DC

Board of Directors | Steering Committee

Cambridge, MA, USA

The Harvard Law School Association Women’s Alliance is an organization for the women graduates of Harvard Law School where they can come together to foster community, networking, and continuing education.

Executive Strategic Alliance

Member

Kansas City, MO, USA

The Executive Strategic Alliance brings together senior leaders who are passionate about shaping the future of work. The organization's goal is to help executives become world class contributors, as leaders of their own companies and as board members for companies around the globe.

Senior Executives Association

Member

Washington, DC, USA

The Senior Executives Association promotes good government initiatives and practices that empower senior executives and federal leaders for success; advocates for legislation and policies in the interests of the federal career senior executive service; facilitates networking opportunities for and with federal governmental leaders, and provide leaders with professional development opportunities.

American Bar Association | Section of Business Law

Venture Capital, Private Equity and Banking Law Committees

2021 - Present

Chicago, IL, USA

The Business Law Section is a global network of over 30,000 business law professionals interested in expanding their knowledge, engaging with their professional communities, and advancing their experience through the section's various benefits.

Government Blockchain Association

Member

Washington, DC, USA

The Government Blockchain Association (GBA) is an international nonprofit, professional membership association, connecting individuals and organizations with blockchain technology solutions to government requirements.

American Bar Association | Section of Public Contract Law

Vice Chair | Accounting Cost and Pricing Committee and Commercial Products and Services Committee

2016 - 2022

New York, NY, USA

The Section of Public Contract Law serves to provide balanced recommendations on procurement policy, provide a forum to engage with colleagues across all segments of the procurement industry, and gain insight into and develop unique perspectives of federal, state and local public contract law.

Defense Acquisition Regulations (DAR) Council

Intellectual Property Subcommittee

2016 - 2020

Washington, DC, USA

The DAR Council is responsible for developing fully coordinated recommendations for revisions to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), current edition, Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), current edition, and the DFARS Procedures, Guidance, and Information (PGI), current edition that are responsive to overall DoD needs.

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Awards & Recognition

American Bar Association

Fellow | 2019

New York, NY, USA

The ABA Fellowship is awarded to the top 1% of lawyers whose careers have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the highest principles of excellence in the legal profession and to the welfare of society.

United States Department of Defense | Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA)

Employee to Employee Award in Support Core Values

2019

Washington, DC, USA

The DCAA Employee to Employee Award is in recognition to employees who exhibit a dedication to the agency's core values of teamwork, excellence, accountability, respect, integrity and trust.

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Specialist Courses

IP Issues in Business Transactions

2023

New York, NY, USA

This program provides an overview of how intellectual property issues arise in the context of transactions, notably issues that may arise across patent, trademark, and copyright law. It also covers how to assess intellectual property as a strategic asset and how to monetize IP while avoiding costly mistakes. The program also includes a panel discussion on IP issues for in-house counsel.

Private Directors Association

Private Equity Portfolio Company Governance

2023

Private Equity Portfolio Company Governance is designed for private equity (PE) partners and managers, portfolio company executives, and independent directors who work together in boardrooms.

Private Directors Association

ESOP Company Governance

2023

ESOP Governance Essentials is a rigorous and realistic look at the responsibilities of serving on an ESOP board.

Public Contracting Institute

Cost Accounting and Hot Topics in Government Contracts Law

2023

Washington, DC, USA

Government Contracting courses provide an overview and discussion of the federal government contracting process, including the procurement laws, regulations, and practical requirements applicable to it. Nygina attended the Institute's Government Contracting Series from 2018-2023.

Federal Publications Seminars

2022

Saint Paul, MN, USA

From 2018-2022, Nygina attended a range of seminars and courses, including Legal updates in accounting, cost and pricing; Government contracts legal updates and ‘year in review’ topics; Forward Rate Pricing Agreements; and DCAA Audits Mitigating Risks.

The U.S. Army Judge Advocate General School

Advanced Contracts Law Course

2021

Washington, DC, USA

The Advanced Contract Law Course provides advanced instruction on specialized acquisition topics.

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Clinical Courses & Symposia

Stanford Rock Center for Corporate Governance: AI Symposium

Aug 2023

Stanford, CA, USA

Nygina Mills will participate in this symposium taking place on November 13th. Hosted by Stanford Rock Center for Corporate Governance and Stanford Center for Legal Informatics (CodeX), the event is designed to equip boards and business leaders with essential knowledge and insights into the world of AI.

HBS Alumni Conference: Accelerating Climate Solutions

May 2023

Boston, MA, USA

Nygina will be in attendance at this event that will provide a discussion around what it takes to discover, develop, scale and achieve meaningful progress on climate solutions. Through expert panels, case discussions and networking, participants will consider the role of the firm, individual business leaders, and HBS, as well as new business and investment opportunities.

Private Directors Association

Cybersecurity Incident Response – What the Board Needs to Know

2023

This seminar focuses on the critical business of cybersecurity and why it should be a priority for every company and its board of directors. Among the many topics addressed are new vulnerability points that are continuously emerging, the risk of operational shutdowns, reputational damage, and regulatory consequences and how to prepare for potential cyberattacks.

Private Company Governance Summit

Participant

May 2023

Washington, DC, USA

The Private Company Governance Summit 2023 will address the various types of board/CEO relationships, and focus on tools and approaches that will strengthen the effectiveness of both directors and the C-suite.

The Board and a Cyber Crisis

Participant

Apr 2023

Washington, DC, USA

Hosted by the PDA DC Metro Chapter, this event will focus on how companies and boards can prepare and react to a cyber incident. This will involve putting effective cyber-infrastructure in place, reacting to threats and minimizing risks.

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Training & Management Courses

Innovation and Success: Strategies for Creating Value in a Venture-Backed Company

Private Company Governance Learning Series

Jul 2023

Nygina participated in this webinar that focused on start-ups seeking venture-backed capital and discussed the various nuances and challenges of operating under a venture capital (VC) business model. The webinar convened a stellar panel composed of board members and leaders in the venture-capital industry to discuss strategies for creating value in a venture-backed company.

Stanford Graduate School of Business

Stanford LEAD Program

2023

Stanford, CA, USA

Taught by world-renowned Stanford Graduate School of Business faculty, the year-long LEAD program welcomes participants from over 160 countries. The program designed for senior executives and divisional leaders is an experiential learning journey focused on the innovation mindset needed to successfully navigate and implement real change. Nygina will be enrolled in the program from 2023-2025.

Harvard Business School

Advanced Management Program (AMP)

2022

Cambridge, MA, USA

The HBS Advanced Management Program is comprised of diverse senior executives and C-Suite members, 65% of whom are from businesses outside the U.S. The program offers instruction that helps proven senior executives more effectively tackle their organization's toughest strategic challenges and lead with greater confidence and inspire performance of employees at all levels.

ABA | Commission on Women in the Profession

Leveraging Grit and Growth Mindset to Drive Team Success

Apr 2023

Leveraging Grit and Growth Mindset to Drive Team Success is focused on understanding the impact of both grit and growth mindset on overall team performance, engagement, morale, and firm/organizational culture. The program also identifies best practices in building, nurturing, and sustaining gritty, growth mindset-oriented teams.

GW Business & Policy Forum: Attacking Cybersecurity Risks

Apr 2023

Washington, DC, USA

At this event, corporate leaders, cyber-policy experts and regulators will discuss innovative solutions that shape the future of cybersecurity and how businesses can best prepare themselves in a rapidly changing regulatory environment.

Executive Women in Government

EWG Protege | 2019

Washington, DC, USA

Nygina was one of 14 selected for the EWG Program. Founded in 1973, prepares, promotes and supports women for senior leadership positions. EWG has built a powerful network to share experiences, enhance professional relationships and increase understanding among women executives.

Center for Creative Leadership

Leadership Development Program (LDP)

2019

A deeply personal, feedback-intense, transformative learning experience, this world-class professional development for leaders helps give clear perspective on who you are and how to thrive, both personally and professionally. Highlights include collaborating across the organization and across the globe and maintaining resilience in the face of uncertainty and complex problems.

The Partnership, Inc

Next Generation Executive Program

2018

Boston, MA, USA

Nygina was one of 40 candidates nationwide selected for strategic think-tank executive leadership program devising cutting edge practices to maximize diversity and strategic innovation, enhance operations during organizational change, leverage diversity in the global market place, leading teams to outstanding performance, and executive resiliency.

Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute

Transformational Leadership: Search Inside Yourself Program

2017

Established by Google, SIYLI offers programs, tools and content on mindfulness-based emotional intelligence, empathy, compassion, resilience, leadership and more, which have a positive impact helping to promote sustainable well being, motivation and high performance for individuals, teams and organizations.

United States Department of Defense | Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA)

Leadership, Motivating Others and Conflict Resolution: Leading Organizational Strategic Vision

2017

Washington, DC, USA

The DCAA offers formal mentoring and coaching programs and extensive leadership programs and certifications. Programs for auditors and other staff through the DCAA Leadership Academy are a commitment to cultivating professional excellence and supporting advancement.

Federal Executive Institute

2016

Washington, DC, USA

The Federal Executive Institute (FEI) is an executive and management development and training center for governmental leaders. Nygina completed courses in The Essence of Leadership; Driving High Performance Organizations; Critical Thinking for Leaders; Developing a Leadership Champion Mindset; and Unconscious Bias for Leaders.

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Speaking Engagements

American Bar Association | Section of Public Contract Law

Moderator

2022

New York, NY, USA

Nygina served as a moderator for the panel titled 'Updates to the National Defense Authorization Act'.

American Bar Association | Section of Public Contract Law

Panel member

2019

New York, NY, USA

Nygina joined a panel titled 'Legal and Regulatory Update – Other Transaction Agreements'. The panel also included General Counsels of Defense Advanced Research Agency and NASA and a Partner at AM10 global law firm.

Public Contracting Institute

Panel member

2019

Washington, DC, USA

Nygina joined other government contracting industry executives on a panel titled 'DCAA, DCMA, and Regulatory Compliance Update: Legal Issues Affecting DCAA Audits'. The panel discussed a range of issues, including the current DCAA/DCMA environment, compliance matters, impact of business systems requirements in today’s marketplace and the latest legal updates that pertain to government contractors.

American Bar Association | Section of Public Contract Law

Federal Procurement Institute: TED Talk

2018

New York, NY, USA

Nygina gave a talk titled 'Strategies for Successful Pre-Litigation Advocacy before claims are before the ASBCA, COFC and federal courts'. The talk educated in-house counsel and law firm attorneys nationally on successful pre-litigation advocacy on panel with in-house counsel at Kellogg Brown & Root subsidiary.

American Bar Association | Section of Public Contract Law

Panel member

2017

New York, NY, USA

Nygina joined a panel titled 'Swimming Upstream: Issues Keeping In-House Counsel Up At Night'. The panel educated in-house counsel and law firm attorneys nationally on advocacy issues.

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Bar Admissions

Supreme Court of the United States

Member of the Bar

Washington, DC, USA

The Supreme Court is the highest tribunal in the United States for all cases arising under the Constitution and laws of the United States.

District of Columbia Court of Appeals

Member of the Bar

Washington, DC, USA

The Committee on Admissions reviews all applications for admission to the District of Columbia Bar. The Committee administers the bar exam, conducts extensive character and fitness review, conducts informal conferences with applicants and formal hearings, and files recommendations with the court.

Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners

Member of the Bar

Boston, MA, USA

To become a licensed attorney in Massachusetts, an individual must meet the requirements and the qualifications established by the state's Supreme Judicial Court.

Maryland State Board of Law Examiners

Member of the Bar

Baltimore, MD, USA

The State Board of Law Examiners coordinates the receipt and filing of applications for admission to the Maryland bar, administers the bar examination in Maryland, and investigates the legal competence and character of persons who seek a license to practice law in the state courts of Maryland.

Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar

Member of the Bar

Chicago, IL, USA

The Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar consists of seven members of the bar appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to oversee the administration of all aspects of bar admissions in the state.

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Legislative Work

U.S. Court of Appeals

Judicial Clerkship

Chicago, IL, USA

Nygina served as a clerk for the Hon. Ann C. Williams during her time heading the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Illinois.

United Kingdom Parliament

Judicial Clerkship

London, UK

Nygina served as a judicial clerk for the Hon. Ian Davidson, a Member of the UK Parliament representing Glasgow South West.

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Press Releases

Nygina Mills is Recognized as NACD Directorship Certified®

Apr 2023

Washington, DC, USA

“I am honored to join the distinguished and diverse group of NACD Certified Directors who are committed to advancing the highest standards of boardroom excellence,” said Nygina Mills, NACD.DC. “The information I’ve learned and demonstrated via NACD’s certification program are key assets to the future companies I will serve, as well as to my professional growth as a director.”