Andrew Jackson to lead diversity and inclusion initiatives at the Greater Cleveland Partnership

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

The Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) today announced that Andrew Jackson will serve as executive director of the Commission on Economic Inclusion. Jackson, who also will serve as a GCP senior vice president, will start November 1. The Commission on Economic Inclusion is the GCP's initiative to build and sustain economic growth through enhancing participation of minority professionals and businesses in overall efforts to create jobs and investment in the Northeast Ohio region.

Co-chairs of the Commission on Economic Inclusion, Christopher M. Connor, chairman and CEO of Sherwin-Williams Co., and Brian E. Hall, chairman and CEO of Industrial Inventory Solutions, agreed, "Andrew brings his nationally recognized ability to facilitate change in organizations to the Commission, where he will work with some of Northeast Ohio's largest employers as well as with some of its smallest firms to improve the economic climate of the region. By working with larger companies to help them expand their supplier diversity programs, and by improving access to capital and resources, our region's minority businesses will grow to scale, creating jobs and wealth in minority communities."

Jackson grew up in Cleveland's Kinsman neighborhood and graduated from John Adams High School. He earned a degree in accounting from Cleveland State University and completed the CPA examination a year later. He joined Accenture as a consultant following graduation in 1982, and was made partner in 1995. At Accenture, he focused on transforming large scale business and technology in the automotive and industrial equipment industries for clients including BP America, DaimlerChrysler, and Johnson Controls.

"As a small business owner himself, Andrew understands both the challenges faced by minority business owners and the positive impact that successful small businesses will have on developing our regional economy," said Frederick Nance, managing partner of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey Cleveland office and chairman of the GCP. "His entrepreneurial experience, substantial energy and successful consulting career will be great assets to his work for the Commission."

Jackson's involvement with the life-changing INROADS internship program originated during his freshman year of college when he began a four-year internship at Key Bank. His involvement with INROADS continues as a fundraiser, mentor and inductee in the INROADS National Alumni Hall of Fame. His long-standing work with Karamu House includes serving as board chairman for nine years.

"Leading the Commission on Economic Inclusion is the realization of my passion," said Jackson. "My objective at the Commission will be the same objective I had at Accenture: to transform major corporations and small minority owned firms to be competitive in the global economy. I am excited to work with the Greater Cleveland Partnership because the organization is as serious as I am about confronting the economic challenges of Northeast Ohio."

Jackson has received wide recognition for his civic and professional accomplishments by Kaleidoscope Magazine, Crain's Cleveland Business, Black Enterprise Magazine, Consulting Magazine, the City of Cleveland, and others.

The Greater Cleveland Partnership, the primary voice for businesses in Greater Cleveland, seeks to create jobs and wealth, and improve the economic vitality of the region. Its priorities include technology, innovation and high-growth businesses; connected physical development; education and workforce development; and business attraction, retention and expansion. The GCP emphasizes service to its more than 16,400 members; advocacy on behalf of members and the region; diversity and inclusion; and internationalization of the region and its businesses. http://www.gcpartnership.com

The Commission on Economic Inclusion is a program of the Greater Cleveland Partnership. Its mission is "to significantly improve the level of inclusion-the meaningful involvement of minority businesses and individuals-in the economic engines that drive Northeast Ohio."

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