BIOGRAPHY
Charlie Ray Jackson is a lifelong public servant, military veteran, and proven leader whose career spans more than four decades of service to his community and country. Born on August 27, 1957, in Jasper, Florida, he learned the value of hard work at an early age while working in restaurants and helping on his family’s farm. After earning a degree in Industrial Technology from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in 1979, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. During his distinguished 17-year military career, he served in Germany supporting senior military leaders and American dignitaries, assisted in the care of former Iranian hostages, led award-winning transportation and maintenance organizations, and earned the Bronze Star Medal for his exceptional leadership during the Gulf War. He retired from the Army in 1996 with the rank of Major.
Following his military service, Jackson continued his commitment to public service and operational excellence in both the private and public sectors. As Director of Operations for a national facilities management company, he oversaw services for more than 400 FEDEX facilities across 26 states. From 2001 to 2022, he served with the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners as Facilities Manager and Director, supervising more than 60 employees, overseeing over 300 capital projects valued at more than $140 million, and completing more than 350,000 maintenance service orders. His accomplishments include delivering the Alachua County Criminal Courthouse on time and under budget, launching countywide energy and water conservation initiatives, managing the construction of numerous public safety and community facilities, and leading award-winning sustainability projects. Charlie is a devoted husband to Carolyn Jackson, a loving father to Derrick Jackson (LeKeisha Jackson) and Latoya Cunningham (Clinton Cunningham IV), and a devoted, loving, and fantastic grandfather to Asjani “AJ” Cunningham.
