Jackie Norris believes that the most valuable contribution a person can make is to use their voice and opinions to connect people and inform decisions. She tirelessly works to ensure that voices are heard authentically and serve as crucial inputs in decision-making processes.

Jackie is a veteran of several successful political campaigns, including Tom Vilsack’s historic 1998 win and President Barack Obama’s 2008 Iowa victories, and has worked at the White House, U.S. Capitol, and HUD, working her way up from a staff assistant to a Congresswoman and later serving as Assistant to the President and Michelle Obama’s first White House chief of staff. She has also advised Fortune 500 companies on strategic philanthropy, launching major initiatives like Billion + Change and The Civic 50 in partnership with Bloomberg News.

One of Jackie’s favorite roles was her time as a high school government and history teacher. She is the 2005 award recipient of the James Madison Fellowship for her commitment to outstanding instruction of the American Constitution, and she has also worked as an adjunct professor at American University in Washington, DC, and John Cabot University in Rome, Italy.

Jackie’s drive to ensure every person has an opportunity to succeed led her to Goodwill of Central Iowa where she led with the idea that everybody and everything deserves a second chance.

As president and owner of Horizon Group, Jackie fearlessly leads a team of talented women, guiding them in conducting comprehensive research and leading strategic initiatives all with an emphasis on action. Her unwavering belief in the importance of amplifying Iowans’ voices lies at the core of her leadership philosophy.

She currently serves as the chair of the Des Moines School Board.

Jackie lives in Des Moines with her husband, John. Their sons Hunter, Cole, and Sam are all DMPS graduates.