Nikki Clifton

Nikki Clifton leads UPS’s global philanthropy, social impact and international community affairs. She oversees the company’s efforts to respond to the world’s most pressing social, humanitarian and environmental needs.

Clifton is spearheading a strategic refresh of The UPS Foundation to align the company’s philanthropic strategy more closely with UPS’s strengths and priorities. Under her leadership, The Foundation has advanced the in-kind distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and cold chain freezers to underserved countries. This humanitarian initiative leverages UPS’s airline, drone and ground network to increase UPS’s brand identity and relevance while saving lives.

Clifton joined UPS in 2003 as Labor & Employment counsel. She served on the UPS/IBT National Negotiating Committee and developed the UPS Labor Negotiations School. Most recently, Clifton served as Vice President, Public Affairs, leading workforce policy and legislative advocacy with members of congress and states’ attorneys general. Clifton has been instrumental in the company’s response to human rights and social justice issues, including UPS’s anti-human trafficking awareness and education campaign. Her Ted Talk, “3 Ways Businesses Can Fight Sex Trafficking” has garnered more than 1.5 million views.

Prior to UPS, Clifton practiced law at Delta Air Lines and Alston & Bird LLP in Atlanta.

Clifton serves on the Board of Directors for both the Girl Scouts Nations Capitol and Points of Light. She was appointed to the Department of Transportation Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking and serves on the Advisory Board for the CARE Global Network Leaders. She is an alumna of Leadership Atlanta and was inducted into the inaugural class of National 4-H Luminaries in 2017.

Clifton earned her bachelor’s degree magna cum laude in communications from Howard University and her J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law. She and her husband have four children and a Goldendoodle.