Dr. Alvin B. Jackson, Jr. is an accomplished senior executive with over 20 years experience in local government. Dr. Jackson is a graduate of the University of Maryland, where he obtained his Bachelors in Government and Politics. He knows first-hand the ins-and-outs of local governments, as well as the benefits of coordinating and working closely with regional, state and federal partners to achieve mutual goals and objectives.
Before joining the private sector, Dr. Jackson served as a Deputy Executive Director for the South Florida Water Management District, where he directed all business functions, local government, outreach and communications functions for this $1 billion agency with over 1800 employees. Under Dr. Jackson’s leadership and guidance, the District made great strides in bringing agency services closer to constituents, and in strengthening and building partnerships at local level. During this time the agency, he also developed and adopted its first comprehensive strategic plan, linking programs and budgets into one comprehensive and integrated work plan.
Dr. Jackson also served as Economic Development Director for Lake County where he directed the first countywide strategic planning initiative that engaged over 3,000 citizens, raised over $100,000 and resulted in the development of the Lake County 10-year strategic plan. Dr. Jackson also led the counties' economic development strategic planning initiative that included over 120 businesses and community and educational leaders. The Plan was completed on time and adopted by the County Commission and the State of Florida. The Lake County Economic Development initiative attracted over 50 new industries to Lake County in just 3 years including the development of a 528-acre industrial park that added over two million square feet to the Counties' tax roll. Dr. Jackson also implemented the Job Investment Trust Fund where the County invested over $2 million, created 2,000 new jobs within a three-year period and resulted in an $80 million return on the Counties' investment.
After Dr. Jackson transitioned to the private sector, he served as Outreach Manager for the Everglades Restoration Project ACCELER8-the world's largest environmental restoration project. In this capacity he was responsible for coordinating the outreach and public involvement effort including facilitating the participation of local (small and minority) businesses and the local workforce for this $1.8 billion dollar project. As a result over 300 employees were hired from the local workforce with over $20 million spent in wages. Over 350 local students received construction trades training at no cost, with over $2 million being appropriated for this workforce training program.
Dr. Jackson also assisted the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) in promoting the Small Business Enterprise program by networking with South Florida's Small and Minority business community to achieve SBE participation goals set forth by the SFWMD governing board for all Everglades Restoration Projects. In addition, Mr. Jackson provided one-on-one consultation to South Florida businesses that resulted in the certification of over 200 south Florida small business enterprises. As a result of the Dr. Jackson's efforts over $37 million dollars was spent with local and small businesses on Everglades Restoration projects. He is the published author of “It Is Another Great Day: An inspiring guide to effective leadership”