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Luke Nickless
Luke Nickless
Vice President
Luke Nickless is a Vice President at Continental Strategy, where he leads federal policy and appropriations efforts. His background in congressional strategy and public service helps clients navigate complex legislative and regulatory challenges.
Luke brings nearly a decade of public service experience to Continental Strategy, spanning from the Colorado State House to the U.S. Congress. Most recently, as a senior staffer on the House Committee on the Budget, he led work on federal budget and appropriations policy, serving as a trusted negotiator during the most recent $1.2 trillion deficit-reducing reconciliation process that also produced key energy, artificial intelligence, and defense provisions.
At Continental Strategy, Luke leverages extensive cross-chamber relationships, procedural expertise, and experience guiding multi-member coalitions to help clients navigate complex legislative and regulatory challenges. His work focuses on aligning strategic policy goals with real-world outcomes, building durable solutions that strengthen America's leadership in energy, defense, healthcare, and technology.
Luke began his career in politics at the Colorado State House, serving as a legislative aide while completing a degree in Political Science at the University of Colorado. He later worked for Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis of New York and Congressman Pat Fallon of Texas before joining the House Committee on the Budget under Chairman Jodey Arrington in February 2023.
Luke lives in Washington, D.C., and is an avid angler, hiker, and skier.
Education
University of Colorado, B.A., Political Science