Strategic PartnershipsProfiles in Power highlights public officials nationwide who are improving their communities through their dedication, enthusiasm, creativity, and experience.
This week’s profile is James A. Jackson, Jr., Public Administration, formerly of the City of Tracy, California.
Public career highlights: I have served as Director of Public works for the cities of Detroit and Richmond, VA; Deputy Director of Public Works for Washington, DC; Commissioner of Public Works for the city of Atlanta and interim Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Richmond, VA.
During my 30-plus years of service I have experienced my greatest joy helping teams adjust to the constantly changing technologies available to assist them in providing the highest levels of service to their communities while maximizing taxpayer funds.
What I like best about public service: The ability to help those for whom I am responsible deliver highly professional services and to grow as professionals to expand their knowledge and responsibilities. That has been truly gratifying throughout my career.
The best advice I’ve received: Never compromise my character or integrity and develop the trust of those you serve–be it residents, team members, supervisors and elected officials–through unfailing follow through and demonstrated industriousness.
People might be interested to know that: I am a product of a single parent, female-headed household and I cared for two of my five siblings for three years while completing my undergraduate degree in mathematics.
One thing I wish more people knew about county government: How imperative it is to ensure the elected body is kept aware of the performance and needs of critical infrastructure assets. This is especially true for utility assets.
