Jackie Norris

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, Iowa’s first Democratic governor in 30 years, in 1998 and President Barack Obama’s historic Iowa victory during the caucus and general election of 2008.

Jackie knows how to navigate the halls of power, having worked at the White House, US Capitol, and Department of Housing and Urban Development. She started at the lowest rung on the ladder by serving as a staff assistant to legendary Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter and later worked for Vice President Al Gore, Secretary Andrew Cuomo, and had the honor of serving as the first White House chief of staff to Michelle Obama.

Jackie has served as an advisor to corporate leaders and Fortune 500 companies, aiding them in directing volunteerism and philanthropy in strategic and measurable ways. She is most proud of two large scale initiatives she launched, 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. She currently serves as the chair of the Des Moines School Board and serves on the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships.

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.

Jackie lives in Des Moines with her husband, John, and their sons Hunter, Cole, and Sam. In her free time, she can be found playing or watching sports with her family.

​More About Jackie

Education

• Bachelor’s in political science, State University of New York at Geneseo 

• Master’s in political science, Iowa State University

• Secondary education teacher certification, Iowa State University

Moments I Cherish:

Watching the sunset or sunrise – even better if I am on top of a mountain or in a boat on a still lake.

Favorite place in Iowa:

Whiterock Conservancy in Coon Rapids – hands down favorite.

When I was 6, I wanted to be…

A teacher