Connections with Renee Shaw

Prior to her current post, Kentucky Personnel Cabinet Secretary Nikki Jackson served as a human resources manager for several nationally recognized companies, including Philip Morris USA and Norton Healthcare. She discusses how she became cabinet secretary, moving from the private sector into a public position with state government, and balancing her career with her life at home.

Jackson explains her plans to encourage engagement and innovation in state employees and promote new ways for those employees to find value in their jobs. For instance, the cabinet has recently launched a popular Journey to Wellness program, which helps people quit smoking, manage weight, and stay active, among other healthy habits.

Jackson also discusses attending Hampton University, a historically black university in Hampton, Va.; why she believes it is a good time to work for the Commonwealth of Kentucky; how she will measure the success of her time as personnel cabinet secretary; and more.