Dr. Silvia Jackson retired in December 2022 after an impressive professional career in Wisconsin state government that spanned 45 years. During her career Dr. Jackson held numerous leadership positions across several state agencies. Most recently she served as the Department of Corrections (DOC) Reentry Director, having been appointed to that position in 2014. In that capacity, Dr. Jackson provided leadership in DOC for 9,000+ returning citizens annually using reentry strategies that are designed to reduce recidivism by implementing evidence-based practices.
Prior to her Reentry Director position, Dr. Jackson held other leadership positions in DOC including two decades as the Administrator and Assistant Administrator of the Division of Juvenile Corrections overseeing the state juvenile justice system, directing Wisconsin’s secure juvenile institutions and collaborating with counties on prevention and early intervention programs for juveniles. Additionally, in the 1990’s Dr. Jackson was appointed by Governor Tommy Thompson to serve as the Administrator of the newly created Division of Economic Support in the Department of Health and Social Services establishing Wisconsin’s first Welfare Reform Program.
Recognizing her service and leadership, in May 2012, she received the Outstanding Public Service Award from the Wisconsin County Human Service Association for exemplary service to county government.