Meet Darrell "DJ" Jackson Jr.
CANDIDATE FOR RICHLAND COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 11
Darrell “DJ” Jackson, Jr. is a respected leader in public administration, public relations, and community development. He brings more than 15 years of experience managing programs, solving complex challenges, improving processes, and delivering results across the public and private sectors.
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 previously served as the Acting Deputy Director for Fulton County’s Aging and Youth Services Department (AYSD) in Atlanta, Georgia, overseeing the daily operational functions of Fulton County’s human services.
He has also served as Director of Communications and External Affairs for the District of Columbia's Office on Aging, Communications Director for Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (D – Ward 5), and Media Director for The Caraway Group, Inc., where he managed media and public relations projects, implementing strategic plans for crisis communication for the agency's clients, including AT&T and ColorOfChange.
DJ is the president of Sunrise Communications, one of the oldest African American Public Relations firms in South Carolina, and has worked on national and local political campaigns and committees, including Hillary Clinton for President and the Democratic National Convention. He is currently running for Richland County Council, District 11, putting his track record of service to work for the community that shaped him.
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 to closely track and rapidly respond to resident inquiries for elected officials, ensuring all concerns were addressed
Developed a statewide financial literacy campaign to protect young adults in South Carolina from predatory lenders
Established an intergenerational program 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