Press "Enter" to skip to content

Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners appoints first female county administrator in its history

At its December 4 meeting, the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to make Interim County Administrator Dee Jackson the county’s permanent administrator.

The historic move marks the first time a woman has held the county’s top job in Gadsden County’s nearly 200-year history, according to the board. 

“I’m extremely honored and excited about the opportunity I have to serve the community that I grew up in and has given me so much. I look forward to continuing the progress of the last year, but I also relish the opportunity we have to face our challenges. Together, there’s little we can’t accomplish,” Jackson said.

Jackson recently told WFSU Public Radio that with the longterm security of a contract, she now feels empowered in her ability to complete her goals and visions for county growth. 

“It was very hard to do that from an interim status, because I may have started something but not been able to complete it,” Jackson told WFSU.

Gadsden County Commissioners expressed optimism about the future of the county in Jackson’s hands.

“Having Miss Jackson as the Gadsden County Administrator is definitely an asset. I sincerely believe that her desire to learn and her progressive proclivity will tremendously enhance this county’s growth and prosperity,” Gadsden County Commission Chair Anthony Viegbesie said.

Prior to her appointment as Interim County Administrator in 2017, Jackson was a grant writer for the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners. She is a native of Gadsden County, a graduate of Florida A&M University and county officials say she has “devoted her life” to public service, serving on numerous community boards and volunteering for a host of causes. 

By Brian Dekle
editor@prioritynews.net