EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: PATSY JACKSON

By: Angel Rodriguez

Patsy Jackson, Chief Financial Officer of the Office of Business Opportunity, has dedicated her career to public service and is the epitome of a team player. In addition to her role in managing OBO’s financial activities, Jackson is also an enthusiastic OBO ambassador. She is one of the first people to greet new OBO employees and make herself available to answer questions. Many recognize Jackson because she is involved in every aspect of OBO. More recently, she was the recipient of the OBO Director’s Award.

Q: What drives you to work at OBO?

A: The challenge of the job (each day is never the same) and the feeling of accomplishment I get when helping others achieve their goals. I am like a Sumo wrestler; I pin down one opponent and then another is waiting there in the wings. This keeps the job fresh because I am always looking around the corner for the next challenge.

Q: What has kept your interest in working at the City so long and what is your role here?

A: The unique day to day challenges have kept my interest. As an achiever, you are always looking for the next conquest. Even if I say “I did it,” I’m telling myself I never want to do it again; I am always looking for that next challenge.

In my current role, I serve as the OBO liaison to all City departments. I am the Chief Financial Officer, managing the department’s budget, along with other financial matters that may arise. I’m also involved in managing the Play or Pay Program. The best way to describe my attitude is through a poem by William Cowper, “The Task,” which it says “that variety is the spice of life, that gives it all its flavor.”

Q: What do you like to do outside of work, what hobbies do you have?

A: I like challenges. I really like lots of mini vacation trips and visiting theme parks. I love games, reading, exercising and pushing the limit. I was so hooked on electronic video games, so much that I had to cease and desist in order to get a good night’s sleep. That competitive streak thing kept me going. I am happy to announce today that I am currently game free.

Q: What are some of your favorite places to visit in the Houston area?

A: I like sceneries and being outdoors; I enjoy taking trips to the Houston Zoo and the Arboretum and Nature Center. I like visiting the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. When I want to take in a live show, I will frequent the Ensemble Theatre or the Miller Outdoor Theatre. I love to eat all foods barbeque, but my favorite local restaurant is Brenner’s on the Bayou.

Q: Where are you originally from? What was your childhood like where you grew up? How long have you been in Texas?

A: I am originally from Louisiana. I grew up on a farm with lots of open air and plenty of space. I enjoy the great outdoors! The quiet, solitude and peace are awesome. I moved to Texas in 1977 and joined the rat race. I have been in Houston for 43 years on that hamster wheel. I like Houston because it seldom snows, stays relatively warm year-round, and the people are more apt to be friendly than not.