Edward Thomas Jackson
Edward Thomas (Ted) Jackson (born February 25, 1951) is a distinguished Canadian professor, consultant, and editor known for his influential work in the fields of inclusive and sustainable finance, as well as community-university partnerships. His contributions have had a profound impact on the development and implementation of innovative financial practices and collaborative community engagement models.
Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]
Edward Thomas Jackson was born in Ottawa, Canada, to John William (Bill) Jackson, a professional soldier and peacekeeper, and Annetta Marguerite Knight Jackson, a dedicated special-needs principal. He pursued his higher education at Western University and the University of Toronto, where he gained a comprehensive academic foundation.
In 1987, he married Magda Julie Seydegart, a prominent human rights educator. The couple has been blessed with two sons, Noah Anatole Seydegart Jackson and Jacob Nicholas Seydegart Jackson, both of whom have ventured into the field of entrepreneurship.
Academic and Professional Contributions[edit | edit source]
Professor Jackson's diverse range of contributions has greatly influenced the fields of inclusive finance, sustainable development, and community-university partnerships. His interdisciplinary research and teaching methodologies have significantly contributed to the development of impactful financial strategies and gender lens investing. He has also played a vital role in advancing international-development evaluation and community-based participatory research.
His academic and professional publications have garnered recognition and have been cited extensively across more than 200 peer-reviewed social science journals. These journals span a wide array of disciplines including adult education, social work, community development, program evaluation, environmental studies, economics, business, and finance.[1]
Academic Appointments and Leadership[edit | edit source]
During his tenure as a tenured public policy professor and associate dean (research) at Carleton University’s Faculty of Public Affairs, Professor Jackson chaired a highly influential university-wide working group focused on promoting community-university engagement. He served as the founding principal investigator of the groundbreaking Community First initiative, a nationwide project assessing the impacts of local research partnerships supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
Founding Initiatives and Collaborations[edit | edit source]
Edward Thomas Jackson's impactful contributions extend beyond academia and into collaborative initiatives with prominent organizations. He co-founded the Carleton Centre for Community Innovation in collaboration with the McConnell Foundation. This center led to the establishment of the pan-Canadian Community Economic Development Technical Assistance Program. Furthermore, his collaboration with the World Bank resulted in the creation of the International Program for Development Evaluation Training, which has played a crucial role in advancing evaluation practices globally.
He also played a pivotal role in various projects supported by the Canadian International Development Agency. These include leading a microfinance conversion initiative in Bangladesh and spearheading capacity building projects focused on local governance in Ghana and Vietnam.[2]
Recognition and Honors[edit | edit source]
Edward Thomas Jackson's outstanding contributions have been acknowledged through numerous prestigious awards. He was honored with the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship, reflecting his dedication to the betterment of society. He has also received awards from esteemed organizations such as the Canadian Evaluation Society, Community Development Society, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, and the Responsible Investment Association of Canada.
His consulting firm, E. T. Jackson and Associates Ltd., has been recognized and commended by various entities including Canada’s Foreign Minister, Export Development Canada, and Global Compact Network Canada for its significant impact and commitment to sustainable practices.
In conclusion, Edward Thomas Jackson's life and work exemplify a commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable finance, fostering community-university collaborations, and creating lasting positive change. His innovative thinking and multidisciplinary contributions continue to shape the realms of finance, academia, and community development for the better.