City Manager Craig Freeman announced the selection of Shalynne Jackson, an experienced diversity and inclusion professional, as the City’s first Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer.
Jackson will lead the execution of the City’s strategy for diversity, equity and inclusion, including providing training, implementing best practices, and providing coaching, guidance and education. She will report to Freeman, and her official starting date is Feb. 1.
“We’re so fortunate to have found a candidate as perfectly qualified as Shalynne to be our first Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer,” said Freeman. “She has a wealth of experience in the field, which will serve our workforce and community well as we make intentional progress toward being more inclusive and ensuring our workplace is equitable for all employees.”
The Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer is a new position included in this fiscal year’s City budget. Jackson will work alongside staff from the Human Resources Department, City Manager’s Office and the rest of the City workforce.
Jackson is an Oklahoma native and will be relocating here from Arkansas after moving there for employment. She’s an independent consultant and senior labor relations manager at a major discount retailer.
Specializing in diversity and inclusion since 2015, Jackson brings deep experience implementing strategic diversity and inclusion programs, processes and practices. She has served on various boards and is a devoted community volunteer. She has received numerous awards and recognition for her work in diversity and inclusion, including Oklahoma’s inaugural OKHR Diversity, Equity and Inclusion award.
“It’s an honor to be selected as the first person filling this role at the City of Oklahoma City,” said Jackson. “I am passionate about cultivating a culture of equity that promotes authenticity, access and advancement. I look forward to partnering with leaders across the organization to drive meaningful change that enriches the lives of employees and the community alike.”
Jackson double-majored in criminology and human relations at the University of Oklahoma, also going on to earn a master’s degree in human relations from OU.
Jackson and her husband, Ian, have a daughter, Hollis, and are expecting their second child.