Valerie Jackson

Valerie Jackson (née Richardson; April 3, 1949) is an American radio host, philanthropist, and former advertising executive. She is the widow of former Atlanta, Georgia mayor Maynard Jackson.

Early life

Jackson was born to Charles and Cora Ruth Richardson, and grew up in Richmond, Virginia. In 1963 she was one of the first black students admitted into her high school, from which she graduated in 1967. She went on to major in business management at Virginia Commonwealth University (BBA 1971), During her husband's tenure as mayor, she served as advisor to the city's economic development program, bringing to Atlanta such national and international events as the 1988 Democratic National Convention and the 1996 Summer Olympics. in New York City. Jackson serves as President of Jackson Financial Corporation of Jackson Securities, LLC. She is Chairman of the Board and Principal of Jackmont Hospitality, Inc. She has been very involved in philanthropic work in the community, specifically in organizations helping the underprivileged. Jackson is currently Chairman of the Board of the Maynard Jackson Youth Foundation.. Jackson has served on boards, including the American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity and the Northwest Georgia Girl Scout Council. She is past president of the Georgia Chapter of the International Women's Forum. In 2003, Jackson started hosting a radio show on WABE, the National Public Radio station in Atlanta, called Between the Lines. that airs occasionally on Sunday evenings.

Awards Jackson was selected into the 2002 YWCA of Greater Atlanta Academy of Women Achievers. The Atlanta Business League named Jackson as one of 100 Women of Influence in Atlanta.