Jackson takes lead on technology workforce

When President Barack Obama appointed Jackson, he knew that Jackson would be “ a tremendous asset” to his administration. 

Since 2010, Jackson has held the dual role of EPA’s Assistant Administrator for the Office of Environmental Information and Chief Information Officer.  In this capacity, Jackson is responsible for information technology (IT) operations and security, information quality and collection, and access to environmental information including the Toxics Release Inventory.  His leadership focus includes IT strategic planning and governance, IT investment management and government transparency. 

Shortly after Jackson took over the Office of Environmental Information, he saw the need for a stronger IT investment review that went beyond the technology staff. Jackson offered five priorities for driving IT management, governance, standardization and transparency across the agency which included “running the agency like a business”. It’s a job of juggling resources and risk for which Jackson is well prepared.

Prior to being confirmed by the Senate in June 2010, Jackson served as the Senior IT Business Unit Director of CIGNA Group Insurance.  At CIGNA, he managed all IT aspects that supported short term disability, long term disability, life and accident insurance products and services. From 2006 to 2008, Jackson also served as the Senior IT Business Unit Director for CIGNA Insurance Corporate Business Functions. During this tenure, he directed the development of IT applications for Human Resources, Finance, Legal and Public Affairs, and Investments. In addition, he had IT oversight for Corporate-Owned Life Insurance, Reinsurance, and Settlement Annuities. 

Leadership is a skill well-known to Jackson. Prior to joining CIGNA Insurance, he held various positions in the areas of IT, engineering, marketing and general business management at Monsanto, Quaker Oats, General Dynamics, and Shell Oil Company.  Jackson has a broad business background which includes consumer packaged goods, defense contracting, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and the oil and gas industries. Throughout his career, Jackson has developed expertise in IT strategy, large-scale enterprise resource planning, performance metrics development, and business process re-engineering. 

Jackson was a Board member of the Children’s Literacy Initiative in Philadelphia and the Jackson State University National Alumni Association, where he chaired the membership committee.  Jackson holds a B.S. from Jackson State University and an M.B.A. from Northwestern University, J.L. Kellogg School of Management.  Jackson is proud to serve the American people by supporting EPA’s mission of protecting human health and the environment.  He is also a native of the great city of Chicago.