Dr. Karen Thompson-Jackson is a devoted community leader, nonprofit executive, and promoter of service and equity. With over 34 years of leadership experience, she currently serves as the Executive Director of Temporary Emergency Services, Inc., where she has successfully expanded the organization’s impact, securing over $1.5 million in support and increasing community engagement. Under her leadership, TES has strengthened its emergency response programs, ensuring critical assistance for individuals and families in crisis across West Alabama.
An influential voice in The Junior League of Tuscaloosa (JLT), Dr. Thompson-Jackson has held several leadership roles, including President (2018-2019)—a historic milestone as the League’s first African American president—as well as Vice President of Community, Nominating Chair, and New Member Chair. Through her leadership, she has fostered sustainable and inclusive community engagement, strengthened relationships with other area organizations, and revamped New Member orientation and projects. Her impact was further recognized when the League’s Commitment Award was renamed in her honor in 2019.
Beyond the Junior League, Dr. Thompson-Jackson is an active leader in numerous nonprofit and civic organizations including her service on Tuscaloosa City Schools Board of Education, and her involvement in Indian Rivers Mental Health Association, Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, and the Community Services of West Alabama. Her dedication to service has earned her numerous awards, including the Distinguished Service Award (2025), Presidential Award for Community Service (2024), Buford Peace Award (2022), and induction into the Civic Hall of Fame (2019).
Dr. Thompson-Jackson holds a Ph.D. of Philosophy in Instructional Leadership with a concentration in Social and Cultural Studies in Education from The University of Alabama, where she also earned her Master and Bachelor of Social Work degrees. She continues to shape the next generation of nonprofit leaders as an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Alabama School of Social Work.
Guided by her unwavering commitment to service, Dr. Thompson-Jackson believes in “leadership through action” and is dedicated to building relationships, strengthening communities, and leaving a lasting legacy of equity and empowerment. She and her husband, Paul, cherish time with their five children and enjoy giving back to their community and relaxing at the beach.
