Deborah G. Jackson is a seasoned project manager and former global energy executive whose career reflects a rare blend of operational excellence, technological innovation, and deep commitment to community impact. With over three decades of experience spanning Fortune 500 corporations, complex capital investment oversight, and local volunteer-driven recovery initiatives, Deborah has consistently demonstrated a talent for navigating high-stakes environments while delivering sustainable outcomes.
Deborah spent the majority of her corporate career with Shell Oil Products US and Shell Global Projects and Technology, where she held multiple leadership roles in engineering, supplier relations, category management, and investment governance. As a Supplier Relations Manager in Shell’s global automation portfolio, she was entrusted with managing multi-billion-dollar global supply chains, aligning internal and external stakeholders to support performance and innovation, and achieving measurable sustainability goals. Her efforts contributed to the portfolio reaching over 60% of its 2030 carbon emissions reduction target—a major milestone in the company’s energy transition strategy.
In her prior role as Category Manager for Energy, Automation, and Digital Twin technologies, Deborah led strategic supplier development and contract negotiations for portfolios valued at up to $1.5 billion. Her work drove $100 million in added value through a renegotiated five-year automation framework and resulted in a further $15 million in efficiency gains across the organization. Earlier in her career, she served as a Capital Reviewer on Shell’s Downstream Investment Committee, where she evaluated capital projects ranging from $2 million to $10 billion, ensuring that investments met economic return thresholds, complied with HSE principles, and aligned with global strategic objectives.
Following her corporate tenure, Deborah has redirected her expertise to serve and uplift her community in Northwest Arkansas. As the Tornado Recovery Project Manager at First United Methodist Church in Rogers, AR, she leads the planning, fundraising, and execution of a $750,000 restoration effort of the church’s 115-year-old historic campus. Her leadership includes contractor management, insurance negotiations, and community communications, all while ensuring the congregation and local residents continue to receive support services during the recovery.
Beyond her professional achievements, Deborah has long demonstrated a passion for volunteerism and mentorship. She serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees at her church, is a robotics mentor and Judge Advisor for Bentonville Public Schools, and has been a lifetime Girl Scout and troop leader, focusing on empowering young women through STEM education and leadership development. At Shell, she held leadership positions in employee resource groups, where she led initiatives on community engagement and workplace inclusion.
Deborah holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and has completed additional certifications in nonprofit governance, humanitarian logistics (MITx), and leadership development.
As she continues to expand her contributions through board service and advisory roles, Deborah Jackson brings not only technical and strategic expertise but also an unwavering commitment to service, sustainability, and the long-term well-being of the communities she touches. She is especially well-suited for organizations seeking a leader who bridges corporate acumen with grassroots impact.
Character: Deborah Jackson demonstrates unwavering integrity, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving both global organizations and her local community.
Knowledge: She brings extensive expertise in engineering, procurement, sustainability, project management and capital project evaluation developed over a 30-year career in the energy sector.
Strategic: Deborah excels at aligning stakeholders, managing complex projects, and delivering long-term value through innovative and sustainable solutions.
Communication: She is a clear, empathetic communicator who effectively engages diverse audiences—from executives to volunteers—ensuring transparency, trust, and collaboration.
