HAYMAN-WOODWARD Announces New Quality Control and Training Specialist
HAYMAN-WOODWARD is pleased to announce the addition of Marta Maya Nickols as its new Quality Control and Training Specialist, reinforcing the company’s commitment to operational excellence and client-centered service. She brings 17 years of experience in U.S. immigration services, leadership, and federal operations.
Maya began her career in 2008 with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), where she developed expertise in adjudications, customer service, and policy interpretation. Her strong performance and leadership skills led to a supervisory role in 2012, where she guided teams in high-volume environments and contributed to improvements in decision-making processes and service consistency.
In 2016, she was appointed Field Office Director of the USCIS Des Moines Field Office, leading the unit through significant organizational changes, workforce transitions, and stakeholder engagement initiatives. She played a key role in enhancing quality assurance, establishing robust training structures, and ensuring alignment with national policies. In 2022, she served as Acting Chief of Staff for the USCIS Great Lakes District, supporting strategic planning and district-wide operational oversight.
Most recently, Maya served as Assistant Center Director of the Language Services Section (LSS), where she oversaw teams responsible for translation, transcription, and interpretation services for federal partners, including Field Operations, ICE, HSI, and other agencies. Her leadership strengthened workflows that support critical national-level operations.
Throughout her career, she has contributed to safeguarding national security while supporting thousands of immigrants in their journeys. Her proudest accomplishments include mentoring staff and supervisors for more than a decade, improving case quality and operational efficiency, and supporting senior leadership in high-impact initiatives.
Her decision to join HAYMAN-WOODWARD reflects a strong alignment of purpose and mission. “The company’s commitment to global mobility and its tangible impact on individuals and families truly resonate with my experience and values,” she says. In her new role, she will focus on strengthening quality standards, enhancing training programs, and providing the structure and guidance teams need to deliver consistent and high-level results.
Maya also highlights the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the immigration and global mobility sector, citing opportunities for more accurate analysis, streamlined workflows, reduced backlogs, and improved applicant support. She notes that while the industry faces evolving policies, rising security concerns, and persistent caseload demands, strong leadership, effective training, and rigorous quality oversight remain essential for meaningful progress.
Born in Poland and raised as an immigrant child, she brings a unique perspective shaped by resilience, cultural heritage, and a deep appreciation for the immigrant experience. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys time with her family, is actively involved in youth sports programs, and loves exploring new destinations with her husband and two sons.
In her own words:
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to support the team at HAYMAN-WOODWARD and strengthen the important work we do. My goal is to build a strong foundation, empower our people, and ensure that the services we deliver continue to change lives for the better.”