BOISE, Idaho -- Andrea Jackson, president and COO of Jacksons Food Stores, was chosen by Idaho Business Review as one of Idaho's Women of the Year. Jackson was honored because of her professional accomplishments and her willingness to serve in volunteer organizations and to mentor other women.
Jackson, 43, received a bachelor's in psychology from Willamette University in 1984. She has since risen from clerk to president and COO of Jacksons Food Stores, a rapidly growing convenience store chain that currently has more the 100 stores. Her [image-nocss] responsibilities include marketing, operations, training, human resources, construction, maintenance and foodservice.
She attributes her rise within the company to the influence of another woman in her life, her mother Gypsy Carson Jackson. She taught me to value other people, to seek to understand them and to recognize the importance of bringing the best out in others, Jackson said. She has shaped many lives, all without the expectation of anything in return or public acknowledgement.
Now that she's in a position to encourage, develop and influence other women, Jackson says, Because our system is truly fair, we have diversity at every level, including women at the highest levels in our company. If you focus on developing the people on your team, it is amazing the places they will take you.
As a contributor to her community, Jackson was a board member of the local chapter of Big Brothers/Big Sisters form 1992 to 1999, a member of the National Organization of Women since 1990, a member of the ACLU since 2001 and a member of the Order of Eastern Star since 1980. She also has done many hours worth of volunteer work.
Based in Meridian, Idaho, Jacksons Food Stores is the largest convenience store company in the state of Idaho and also has stores in Oregon, Nevada, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.
The Idaho Business Review is a weekly publication offering local business news and information.
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