Inducted: 2016
Summerlin Institute Graduate,
Rear Admiral J. Adrian Jackson served his country for 35 years in both active duty and reserve assignments as a naval aviator and officer. Jackson has received several military decorations including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and the Meritorious Service Medal. He has overseen operations around the globe in countries such as Japan, South Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan. During Operation Enduring Freedom, Jackson coordinated a humanitarian effort which supplied over $500 million in assistance for Afghani citizens' basic needs. He later served as the Director of Coalition Coordination for U.S. Central Command coordinating the logistics and combat requirements for over 61 nations supporting USCENTCOM operations. After retiring in 2006, Jackson was elected as a city commissioner and twice served as mayor of the City of Bartow. He serves on the board of directors of Sun 'n Fun, Inc. and served three terms as Chairman of the Bartow Municipal Airport Authority. He received his undergraduate degree from Florida State University and also completed advanced studies at the U. S. Army War College, the U.S. Naval War College, National Defense University, the John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and the George C. Marshall Center for European Security Studies. Jackson is a Summerlin Institute alum.