Secretary – Missouri
Andrea Jackson‑Jennings is the Secretary of the Bi-State Development Board of Commissioners. Jackson‑Jennings was appointed to the Board of Commissioners by Missouri Governor Mike Parson in December 2023 and approved by the Missouri Senate in January 2024. She has been the Managing Director of the Regional Response Team (RRT) since September 2021. The RRT is a collaborative group of non-profits, governmental, and philanthropic partners created to coordinate responses for vulnerable populations during crises.
Jackson-Jennings was previously appointed Director of the St. Louis County Department of Human Services in December 2011. Jackson‑Jennings managed a $13 million operating budget of eight (8) divisions that provided quality programs and services to enrich the lives of St. Louis County residents. During the pandemic, Jackson‑Jennings’s budget increased by $39 million to respond to the community’s emerging needs by deploying funds for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, Housing and Urban Development (unhoused neighbors), and Community Development Block Grant. Before joining the St. Louis County Government, Jackson‑Jennings was Associate Director of Student Financial Aid at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. One of her most rewarding responsibilities included providing scholarship opportunities to deserving students.
Jackson‑Jennings earned a doctorate and a master’s degree in education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She is also an Adjunct Professor in the College of Education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Jackson‑Jennings serves on several boards and commissions. She is a proud Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. (St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae) and The Links Incorporated member (MO. Archway). Jackson‑Jennings has been a New Sunny Missionary Baptist Church member for 37 years.