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Biography |
Verjeana M. Jacobs, an accomplished attorney, trained mediator and licensed consultant, is known for her exceptional consensus-building skills in facilitating and providing technical assistance to organizations in the development of a collaborative work plan and building capacity to implement the plan.
Jacobs, a skilled negotiator and mediator, has over 25 years in public service working with multiple complex bureaucracies including non-profit organizations, government/quasi-government agencies, urban education systems and labor unions. Working with diverse stakeholders, she supports the group identification of a shared agenda, always seizing opportunities to build respect and trust. In various leadership roles whether as Chair of one of the largest school districts in the United States for almost six years, President of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education, or as Vice Chair of the National School Boards’ Council of Urban Boards of Education, Jacobs is known for her effectiveness in bringing divergent stakeholders to the table to tackle contentious, yet necessary issues with the focus on improving quality of life.
As a Corrections professional from 1989-2012, retiring as a Lt. Colonel, she delivered confidential executive level expertise and counsel regarding the management, coordination, investigation, and supervision of classified and sensitive matters while interfacing with multiple constituencies. Further, during her tenure with the Department of Corrections, she provided administration, planning and management of program activities for grant and non-grant programs.
As an adjunct college professor, Jacobs taught in a variety of disciplines pertaining to real-world challenges affecting diverse, particularly poverty-stricken, minority communities. Issues around public safety, adequate advocacy/legal representation, public health, cultural competency, employment and access to quality schools were taught.
In addition to her distinguished public service career, she maintains an accomplished record as a consultant and facilitation expert. Ms. Jacobs assists well-performing organizations, those under stress and those who are just beginning relationships. Her strong work ethic, adept assessment ability and legal competence yield effective results for her clients. She provides customized group facilitation as well as executive one-on-one coaching on a variety of topics: mission-vision-core-values, SWOT analysis, strategic planning, governance-board development, policy development, organizational management, crisis management, capacity-building, finance and budgeting, employment-labor law and contractual matters.
Verjeana M. Jacobs is a qualified, skilled facilitator. In addition to her legal training she is licensed as a Standards for Excellence consultant through the Maryland Nonprofits Association and is a trained mediator through the American Arbitration Association.
Jacobs is attuned to diverse audiences, respects the importance of cultural competence and has great appreciation of the value of cross-sector collaborations within communities. She is acutely attentive to the nuances of group process and facilitates group dynamics with wit, flexibility and structure. |
