Garrett Jackson

Garrett Jackson has a diverse work experience. Garrett started their career as an Assistant Town Planner and later became the Director of Planning, Preservation, and Community Development for the Town of Abingdon, VA. Garrett also served as an Assistant Town Manager and Zoning Administrator during their time there. In addition, Garrett worked as an Adjunct Professor at Southwest Virginia Community College, teaching Geography.

Garrett has also had various roles in the public sector, including serving in the U.S. Navy Reserve as an Engineering Aid and Personnel Specialist. Garrett worked for the National Park Service as the Group Chief of Planning and Partnerships/Public Affairs Officer for the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution Parks Group. Garrett also served as the Superintendent (Acting) for the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. Furthermore, Garrett has served as an Executive Director (Interim) for the Overmountain Victory Trail Association.

Outside of the public sector, Garrett has worked as a paralegal and owner of LEX, pro se, a company providing legal document preparation services. Garrett has also worked as an Advisor for AdvisoryCloud, a consultant in government relations, organizational development, and outdoor recreation, and as a Director of Community Services for People Incorporated of Virginia. Additionally, Garrett has worked as an Adjunct Professor at Appalachian State University, teaching a course on social injustice in the American foundation.

Garrett Jackson has a diverse educational background. Garrett obtained a Doctor of Law and Policy (LP.D) degree from Northeastern University. Additionally, they hold a Certificate in Higher Education Teaching from Harvard University and has completed a Graduate program in the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia. Garrett also completed a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration-Local Government Management from Virginia Tech and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies from the Blackstone Institute. Moreover, they pursued an MA in Community and Organizational Leadership and a BA in Geography from Emory & Henry College. Garrett completed their high school education at Abingdon High School, where they received a Governor's Seal Diploma.

In terms of additional certifications, Garrett has obtained the following: Digital Citizenship Consultant from the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights, Higher Education Teaching Certificate from HarvardX, Human Rights Education from the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights, CITI Program Social and Behavioral Research from the CITI Program, Military Cultural and Suicide Prevention from the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Mental Health First Aid from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Evidence-Based Practices in a Correctional Setting and Motivational Interviewing from the National Institute of Corrections, Volunteer Clearance from the Virginia Department of Corrections, and Notary Public Commission from the Commonwealth of Virginia.