PUBLIC INFORMATION:

City Selects Mark Jackson as Sustainability Coordinator

The City of Pensacola has selected Mark Jackson to fill the new Sustainability Coordinator position, responsible for managing and facilitating a variety environmental initiatives in the city. Jackson’s first day with the city was Monday, June 15.

Jackson joins the City of Pensacola from Miami, Florida, where he recently earned a Master of Science in sustainable business from the University of Miami Herbert Business School. He also received a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies from Hawaii Pacific University.  

Jackson previously worked as a Natural Resource Specialist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Cartersville, Georgia. He also holds certifications in Building Performance Inspection, OSHA Industrial Safety, Lifecycle Analysis and Oracle Database, among others.

Jackson said he’s excited about being selected for this role and is looking forward to helping develop a more sustainable and resilient city.

“I think the city’s really just doing a great job of developing physical infrastructure to help continue its growth,” Jackson said. “A lot of the streets and the downtown area are growing and being built in a way to really impact the economic growth of the community, which is beneficial for the overall growth of the city moving forward. There’s definitely room for improvement, but there’s always room for improvement wherever you go. I think what’s great about the city is that they’re willing to take the steps to make those improvements.”

While working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jackson gained experience in project resource management, extraction and conservation balancing, and creating profitable programming for waste reduction. His experience also includes serving as a Safety, Hazardous Materials and Training Chief for the U.S. Marine Corps, where he oversaw hazardous materials transportation to ensure safe delivery for military missions, along with training personnel in risk management and safety requirements. 

Jackson said his interest shifted to environmental studies and sustainability while working as a diesel mechanic in the military and dealing with hazardous materials and the environment.

“I realized I wanted to get more into sustainability,” Jackson said. “I don’t want to clean up after the problem – I want to be part of the prevention. That’s what sustainability is about: what problems are out there, what are the risks and how can we eliminate those risks before they become a problem.”

As the city’s Sustainability Coordinator, Jackson will begin working on groundwater and soil containment assessments and remediation, as well as climate change and resiliency. He will also represent the city at various environmental stakeholder meetings, including the City of Pensacola Environmental Advisory Board, Bayou Chico Restoration Group and the  Pensacola & Perdido Bays Estuary Program.

Jackson will work under the administrative direction of the Public Works and Facilities Director. Additional priorities for the Sustainability Coordinator include the development of an urban canopy management plan and a city greenhouse gas emission calculation and reduction plan.

“I’m excited about this new position and the benefit it will provide to our citizens by continuing to explore ways we can preserve our beautiful environment here in Pensacola,” Mayor Grover Robinson said. “I’m confident that Mr. Jackson’s knowledge and experience will make him a valuable team member and a great asset for the city.”