Alphonso Jackson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alphonso Jackson
|
|
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2005
|
|
| 13th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development | |
| In office August 31, 2004 – April 18, 2008 |
|
| President | George W. Bush |
| Deputy | Roy Bernardi |
| Preceded by | Mel Martínez |
| Succeeded by | Steve Preston |
| 5th United States Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development | |
| In office May 24, 2001 – August 31, 2004 |
|
| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Saul N. Ramirez Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Roy Bernardi |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 9, 1945 Marshall, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Marcia |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Truman State University (BA) Washington University in St. Louis (JD) |
Alphonso R. Jackson (born September 9, 1945) is an American leader who served as the 13th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). He was chosen by President George W. Bush in 2004 and served until 2008. Jackson worked to improve housing and urban areas across the United States.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Alphonso Jackson was born in Marshall, Texas, in 1945. He grew up in South Dallas as the youngest of 12 children. His mother was a midwife, and his father worked hard at several jobs to support the family.
School and College Years
Jackson attended Truman State University, where he studied political science. He later earned a master's degree in education administration. Instead of teaching, he decided to study law at Washington University School of Law in St. Louis.
In 1965, as a college freshman, Jackson took part in the civil rights Selma to Montgomery marches. This historic event helped bring about important changes for equal rights.
Starting His Career
Jackson began his career as a professor at the University of Missouri – St. Louis. In 1977, he became the director of public safety for St. Louis. Four years later, he led the St. Louis Housing Authority, which helps people find homes.
He also worked as a consultant and was involved in politics. His growing reputation led him to Washington, D.C., where he became director of Public and Assisted Housing in 1987.
Leading the Dallas Housing Authority
In 1989, Jackson became the president and CEO of the Dallas Housing Authority (DHA). He was the first African American to lead this agency. The DHA had faced problems, including lawsuits about fairness.
During his seven years, Jackson was praised for fixing issues at the DHA. He improved conditions for families needing help. He worked to make old public housing buildings safer and better. He even helped bring the first supermarket back to a struggling neighborhood in West Dallas.
Jackson's time in Dallas had its challenges. In 1995, the DHA worked to follow a court order to create more diverse housing. This meant building new homes in different parts of the city, which some local homeowners did not support.
Working in the Private Sector
After his public service in Dallas, Jackson moved to the private sector. In 1996, he joined Central Southwest Power, now American Electric Power. He became a vice president there. By 1998, he was president and COO of American Electric Power-Texas, a large utility company. He was in charge of the company's operations in South and West Texas.
Returning to Public Service
When George W. Bush became president, Jackson was a likely choice for a federal role. They had known each other since 1989. In 2001, Congress approved Jackson to be the deputy secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This made him the second-in-command, helping to manage the department.
Jackson became the Secretary of HUD in August 2004, taking over from Mel Martínez. He served until he resigned in March 2008.
After his time as Secretary, Jackson became a professor at Hampton University from 2008 to 2012. He directed their Center for Public Policy and Leadership. This center helps connect university research to real-world problems. It was the first of its kind at a Historically Black University.
Current Work
In 2012, Jackson joined JPMorgan Chase in New York City. He became the vice-chairman of consumer and community banking.
Important Roles and Groups
Alphonso Jackson is an expert on public housing and city issues. He has been asked to serve on many important groups across the country.
- He chaired the General Services Commission for the State of Texas.
- He served on the National Commission on America's Urban Families.
- He was also part of the National Commission on Severely Distressed Public Housing.
- He has served on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and The Nature Conservancy of Texas.
- He was Vice Chairman of the United Way Campaign in Dallas, Texas.
- He served on the boards of Zale-Lipshy University Hospital and The Cotton Bowl Football Classic.
- He also served on the boards of Central Power & Light Company, West Texas Utilities, and JPMorgan Chase (formerly Texas Commerce Bank).
Currently, Jackson serves on the United States Department of State Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. He is also on the Board of Trustees for Howard University and the Ford's Theatre Society. He is a member of The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Incorporated, and the United States Institute of Peace International Advisory Council.
Awards and Special Recognitions
Jackson has received many awards for his work:
- The Aspen Institute – Aspen Fellow
- The National Boys and Girls Clubs of America – Chairman's Award
- The National Academy of Achievement – Golden Plate Award
- American Family Life Assurance Company (AFLAC) – Lifetime Achievement Award
- The Jewish National Fund, New York – National Tree of Life Award
- Truman State University – Distinguished Alumni Award
- Washington University in St. Louis – Distinguished Alumni Award
In 2017, Jackson was chosen for the Horatio Alger Award. This award recognizes people who have overcome challenges to achieve great success in their lives and careers.
Honorary Degrees
Jackson has received honorary degrees from several universities:
- Benedict College
- Hampton University
- Harris-Stowe State University
- Hiram College
- Morehouse College
- North Carolina A&T State University
- Paine College
- Tuskegee University
- Texas College
- Texas Southern University
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Alphonso Jackson joined the Bush administration in 2001 as the deputy secretary of HUD. In this role, he managed the daily operations of HUD, which had a budget of over $30 billion. When HUD Secretary Mel Martínez left, Jackson became the acting secretary.
President George W. Bush officially nominated him on August 28, 2004. The Senate quickly approved him on August 31, 2004. Jackson was the fourth African American to hold this important position. He announced his resignation on March 31, 2008.
HUD's Progress and Improvements
Under Secretary Jackson's leadership, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) removed HUD from the government's "high-risk" list. This was the first time in 13 years this happened. The GAO recognized HUD's improvements in managing its programs.
Jackson said that HUD works best when its programs are effective. He noted that removing the "high-risk" label showed their efforts to spend taxpayer money wisely.
Helping to Reduce Homelessness
During Jackson's time at HUD, there was a significant reduction in chronic homelessness. Between 2005 and 2006, over 1,500 cities and counties reported more than 20,000 fewer chronically homeless people.
A key tool in this effort was HUD's first-ever Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress. This report helped HUD understand more about homelessness. Before this report, it was hard to know if programs were working or where homeless people were.
Increasing Opportunities for Businesses
Jackson worked to increase contracts for businesses owned by minorities, women, and small businesses. In 2003, 14 percent of HUD's contracts went to Black-owned firms. By 2007, this increased to 25 percent.
Jackson believed that supporting small and minority businesses helps build a stronger America. An investigation later found no evidence of wrongdoing related to these efforts.
Working with Local Housing Agencies
Jackson's work with local housing authorities sometimes faced challenges. For example, in Philadelphia, there were discussions about housing for disabled residents. A federal judge later ruled that HUD treated Philadelphia fairly, just like other agencies. The Philadelphia Housing Authority and HUD eventually reached an agreement to improve housing accessibility.
Government Contracts Discussion
In 2006, Jackson spoke about government contracts. He shared a story about a bidder who did not like President Bush. Jackson explained that he believed contracts should go to those who support the administration's goals. An investigation into this comment found no evidence that any contract was unfairly stopped or not issued.
Loan Information Clarified
In 2008, there were reports about Jackson and other officials receiving loans from Countrywide Financial. These loans were part of a special program. Jackson stated he did not know about any special discounts on his loans.
A US Senate committee later found that the special program did not necessarily offer the best deals available. However, it did create the appearance that participants might receive discounts. No wrongdoing was found in connection with these loans.
Media Appearances
Alphonso Jackson has appeared in various media to discuss important topics:
- He joined the Clinton Foundation Initiative to discuss making public housing energy-efficient.
- He was interviewed on Fox News to talk about real estate procedures.
- He appeared on CNBC to discuss FHA loans, which help people buy homes.
- He was a speaker at the University of Miami, discussing housing for workers.
- He spoke at the HOPE Global Financial Dignity Summit in Atlanta, GA.
See Also
Images for kids
-
Official portrait, 2005
