Meet Darrell "DJ" Jackson Jr.
CANDIDATE FOR RICHLAND COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 11
Darrell “DJ” Jackson Jr. is a respected leader with more than 15 years of experience in public and media relations, social program management, and local government. He currently serves as the chief operating officer (COO) of the Bible Way Church of Atlas Road (BWCAR) and the executive director (ED) of the Midlands Community Development Corporation (MCDC) in Columbia, South Carolina.
As the COO and ED, he oversees the church and its nonprofit community development corporation’s overall strategic plans, budget, and operational functions. He works closely with the senior pastor, the executive team, staff directors, and ministry leaders to implement the strategic vision.
DJ obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina, a Master's degree in Business Management from Webster University, and is a graduate of George Washington University's Certified Public Management Program. He is also Lean Six Sigma certified, reflecting his commitment to efficiency and process improvement in public service.
DJ served as Deputy Director of Fulton County’s Aging and Youth Services Department (AYSD) in Atlanta. In this role, he managed the daily operations of Fulton County's human services. He later held key communications roles, including Director of Communications and External Affairs for the District of Columbia’s Mayor’s Office on Aging (DCOA) and Communications Director for Council Member Kenyan McDuffie (D – Ward 5).
He also served as Media Director at The Caraway Group, Inc., leading media and public relations projects and developing strategic crisis communication plans for clients, such as Microsoft, AT&T, ColorOfChange, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Foundation.
Currently, DJ serves on the Columbia Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, where he chairs the Development Committee, and on the Eastfair Neighborhood Association, where he served as President from 2020 to 2025. He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., reflecting his lifelong commitment to service, achievement, and uplifting the communities he serves.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Led a community development plan for over 500 homes, an urban marketplace, and commercial and health retail spaces in the Midlands
Created a 24/7 constituent response system with the D.C. Office on Aging (DCOA) to closely track and rapidly respond to resident inquiries for elected officials, ensuring all concerns were addressed
Assisted SC Consumer Affairs with developing a statewide financial literacy campaign to protect young adults in South Carolina from predatory lenders
Helped establish an intergenerational program in Washington, D.C. with YouthBuild Public Charter School for students ages 16 to 24 to offer free, light modifications and improvements to seniors’ homes
Expanded public safety for D.C.'s most vulnerable seniors through the implementation of the Silver Alert system
Managed a $20 million annual government budget overseeing more than 200 employees in Fulton County, Georgia
Reduced permit turnaround times by nearly 40% for D.C.'s Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, delivering faster service to homeowners, contractors, and business owners