Carolyn W. Jackson Named Executive Director of American Association of
Family & Consumer Sciences
(Alexandria, Va. - June 28, 2007) — On June 21, 2007,
at the American Association of Family & Consumer
Sciences (AAFCS) 98th Annual Conference & Expo
in Reno, Nev., AAFCS announced Carolyn W. Jackson,
AAFCS transitional executive director and long-time
AAFCS member, as executive director.
The AAFCS board of directors was determined to recruit
an executive director who provided evidence of visionary
leadership and organizational transformation. After
reviewing many well-qualified applicants for the position,
the board selected Ms. Jackson based on her rich professional
background, proven record in association administration,
and highly developed abilities to serve AAFCS in a
time of change.
“Carolyn understands the soul of FCS and leads with
the management savvy that will propel us into our
next hundred years of serving individuals, families
and communities,” said Don Bower, CFCS, AAFCS past
president and chair of the Executive Director Search
Committee.
As AAFCS transitional executive director for more
than a year, Jackson effectively demonstrated her
exemplary communication skills and experience in team
building through the launching and implementation
of “Transforming AAFCS: New Era of Action!”
She brings more than 30 years of professional experience
in leadership roles in the association, education,
corporate, and government sectors and a strong background
in organizational management, program development,
mentoring/coaching, and membership marketing. Jackson
will also continue to help AAFCS prepare future FCS
leaders through her Honors Bootcamp program.
“What an exciting time in the life of our Association!
With the transformation process well under way, I
have seen evidence of AAFCS members and leaders truly
being focused on that which will be relevant to FCS
professionals today and tomorrow,” said Jackson. “It’s
an honor to provide executive leadership for an Association
on the move in a New Era of Action!”
Prior to working at AAFCS as transitional executive
director, Jackson held several professional positions,
including Cooperative Extension agent in Newton, Kan.,
campaign manager for Dick Nichols and subsequently
chief of staff for U.S Representative Dick Nichols
in Washington, D.C., and managing director of public
affairs for Envision EMI, also based in Washington,
D.C. A previous position with AAFCS directing their
membership department brought Jackson to Washington
from her native state of Kansas in 1986. She holds
a B.S. degree in family and consumer sciences education
and an M.S. degree in family economics from Kansas
State University.
Jackson is currently a member of the American Society
of Association Executives, American Association of
Family & Consumer Sciences, Kansas Association
of Family & Consumer Sciences, Kansas State University
Alumni Association, U.S. Capitol Historical Society,
and U.S. House of Representatives Chief of Staff Alumni
Association.
About AAFCS
Founded in 1909, AAFCS is the only national not-for-profit
501 (c)(3) organization providing leadership and support
to FCS students and professionals in multiple practice
settings. FCS professionals help individuals, families,
and communities make informed decisions about their
well-being, relationships, and resources to achieve
optimal quality of life. AAFCS’ 8,000 members are
elementary, secondary, and post-secondary educators,
researchers, and administrators; Cooperative Extension
educators; and other professionals in business and
industry, not-for-profit organizations, and government.
With national headquarters based in Alexandria, Va.,
AAFCS has 52 affiliates located across the United
States and Puerto Rico.
Interviews/Quotes
For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Gwynn Mason at 703-706-4600 or gmason@aafcs.org.
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