The Board of Directors of Connections of Cumberland County, Inc. has named Patricia Jackson the organization’s Executive Director, selecting a nonprofit leader with a decade of experience serving the Cumberland County community.

A Florida native who has made Cumberland County home, Jackson brings experience in organizational leadership, program development, financial management and community engagement.

She will lead Connections as the organization strengthens its programs, deepens community partnerships and advances its mission of helping women and children move toward stability and self-sufficiency.

“Our search committee immediately recognized that Patricia had the skills and experience Connections needs as we look to the future,” said Lucy Jones, president of the Connections of Cumberland County Board of Directors in a press release. “Equally important was her genuine passion for our mission and the women and children we serve. We knew she was the right person to build on the work of Connections and help expand our impact in the community.”

Jackson holds a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, graduating cum laude from both programs. A U.S. Army Veteran, she served in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. In 2018, The Fayetteville Observer named Jackson to its 40 Under 40, recognizing her among the area’s outstanding young professionals for career achievement and community service.

“I am honored to lead Connections of Cumberland County and to continue serving a community that has become home to me,” Jackson said in a press release. “I have seen what is possible when organizations, community leaders, volunteers and neighbors come together with a shared purpose. I look forward to building on that spirit of collaboration at Connections.”

“Every woman who comes to Connections deserves more than help for just today,” Jackson continued. “She deserves the opportunity to build a tomorrow in which she and her children can thrive. That is the work before us, and it’s work worth doing.”