James Jackson has been hired as the Public Works Director for the City of Topeka. Jackson was previously the Commissioner of Public Works for the City of Atlanta Georgia. Jackson will start as the Director of Public Works on April 5th.
“Today I am excited to announce that James Jackson has accepted the position of Public Works Director for the City of Topeka. He brings a tremendous amount of experience that will fit perfectly into the needs of our community,” said City Manager Brent Trout. “I believe James is the right person for this job and will continue the city’s mission to improve our infrastructure and fix our streets.”
Jackson is a certified Public Works Executive (PWE, APWA) as well as an ICMA Credential Manager Candidate. He has 27 years of experience and served as interim Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Operations and Department of Public Works director for the cities Richmond, Virginia and Detroit, Michigan. He has also served as the Public Services director for Wayne County, Michigan and the Streets and Sanitation director for the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan as well as Commissioner of Public Works for the City of Atlanta.
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve the citizens of the City of Topeka, and to support the public works professionals who serve the City every day. City Manager Trout, HR Manager Michele Smith, HR Director Jacque Russell and Chief of Staff Bill Cochran have all been very helpful in getting me and my family situated there in the City of Topeka. I look forward to onboarding and getting up to speed as expeditiously as possible,” said Jackson.
Jackson received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from Knoxville College and a Master’s in Public Administration from Columbus State University. He is a former Marine and also served as President of the Knoxville College National Alumni Association. Jackson’s salary as Public Works Director will be $142,000.