Telisha Farrow Jackson recently joined the Greater Women’s Business Council (GWBC) as director of programs and operations, where she will engage and empower the growing number of women-owned businesses in the Southeast. GWBC is one of the Southeast’s largest nonprofit organizations providing nationally-recognized certification for women-owned businesses in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Jackson brings more than 15 years of operational experience to her role where she oversees the development and execution of all GWBC programs, operations and events, including monthly networking and training events, as well as large-scale annual programs like Top Corporations and LACE Awards. In her role, Jackson will ensure that GWBC provides continuous value to its 1,100+ certified members, sustaining corporate members and sponsors through relevant educational, networking and procurement opportunities. Jackson also supports GWBC’s committees, including Engagement, Advocacy and Sustainability, and supervises GWBC’s certification managers, programs and events coordinators.

“We vetted a number of qualified candidates for the position, and Telisha was the clear choice given her previous diverse experience and her ability to work with both small and large scale organizations and events, as well as her passion for small business success,” said Roz Lewis, president and CEO - GWBC. “I believe Telisha will help the Greater Women’s Business Council reach even greater heights,” she added.

Prior to joining the GWBC, Jackson was with the Department of Administrative Services - State Purchasing Division (DOAS SPD) as a Small Business Outreach Specialist and Georgia Certified Purchasing Associate (GCPA). There, she used her budgeting, underwriting and marketing skills to build civic relationships and awareness for small businesses, and establish and implement programs that increased small businesses’ core capabilities and their chances of procuring government contracts. In fact, one of the programs Jackson created was nominated for the National Association of Procurement Officers’ (NASPO) 2021 A. George Cronin Excellence in Procurement Award, and she was invited to participate in the 2021 DOAS Leadership Academy Program.

Before her time with the DOAS, Jackson worked in a variety of industries, including construction, where she managed a $100 million development project, in banking as a branch manager and lending specialist, and as an educator for an inner-city elementary school. Her combination of expertise and experience made her the best choice for working with small and enterprise-level businesses looking to grow as Women Certified Businesses (WBEs).

Jackson resides in Atlanta with her family and enjoys being outdoors and attending the many cultural events the city has to offer.