Nick Briere (He/Him/His) is the Executive Director of the Connecticut Invention Convention (CIC) and the Chief Executive Officer of NextMinds, where he leads nationally recognized K–12 invention education programs across Connecticut and Massachusetts. A CIC alumnus himself, Nick first entered the program as a young inventor in 1999 and has been dedicated to expanding invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship opportunities for students ever since.

At the Connecticut Invention Convention—an award-winning, internationally recognized nonprofit and the nation’s longest-running children’s invention education program—Nick oversees all operations, partnerships, and strategic growth. Under his leadership, CIC continues to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students grades K–12, particularly in communities with the greatest need for access to high-quality STEM and innovation education. Supported by Push For Entrepreneurship and other mission-driven partners, CIC has introduced hundreds of thousands of students to invention as a pathway to confidence, creativity, and future careers.

As CEO of NextMinds, Nick is responsible for the broader implementation and scaling of invention education programs, including both the Connecticut and Massachusetts Invention Conventions. His work focuses on designing systems that are accessible to schools, educators, and families, while maintaining rigorous standards and a joyful, student-centered experience.

Beyond CIC and NextMinds, Nick serves on several advisory boards, including New England Invents, Ocean Crest Ventures, Torbu, and the Soderstrom Fund, where he lends his perspective on youth innovation, entrepreneurship ecosystems, and social-impact strategy. He is also the founder and former leader of Sonick Group, a national grants and consulting firm that raised more than $130 million for municipalities, nonprofits, and small businesses—helping bring ambitious community and social-impact projects to life, including nearly $10 million for towns across Connecticut.

Nick holds degrees in English and Economics from Duke University and lives in Storrs, Connecticut, with his wife, Celeste. He is deeply committed to building a future where every young person—regardless of zip code—has the chance to see themselves as an inventor, problem-solver, and leader.