New Diversity Officer Appointed In Shaker Heights

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH — Colleen Jackson has been appointed Shaker Heights' new chief of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Jackson was previously director of community partnerships and programming for Cleveland Play House. She managed programs like "Say Yes Cleveland" and "MyCop" and was responsible for professional development initiatives in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion.

“It is an honor to join the city’s leadership team. I look forward to being part of advancing the work of diversity, equity and inclusion in a city with a rich history of valuing those principles,” Jackson said. “I am confident we can succeed, and even exceed the goals we set because I walk into a City with a strong foundation already in place. I’m ready to get to work.”

Besides her stint with Cleveland Play House, Jackson has worked with Kent State University and Baldwin Wallace University.

Jackson has a Master's of Fine Arts in Acting/Pedagogy and a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Acting from Kent State University. She is a certified trauma specialist and has a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.

“We are pleased to welcome Colleen to the city,” said Mayor David Weiss. “We are committed to being diverse, equitable and inclusive in all the work the city does, including our service delivery, decision-making, policies, and community engagement. Colleen’s expertise makes her the ideal professional for this important senior management role.”