Director Shayla Jackson Leads PGCPS School Modernization
By Robert Nelson - Published February 14, 2025
Shayla Jackson, the Director of Capital Programs for Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS), is a leader in strategic planning, construction management, and educational infrastructure development. With over a decade of service at PGCPS, Director Jackson has been instrumental in overseeing the modernization of public school facilities, ensuring that students, educators, and the wider community benefit from safe and state-of-the-art learning environments. Her leadership in managing the district's $2.1 billion capital improvement program highlights her ability to drive large-scale infrastructure projects that enhance the county's education quality.
Jackson's tenure at PGCPS began in 2014 as a Project Manager, where she supervised new construction, renovations, and systemic replacements across more than 30 schools. Her exceptional performance quickly led to her promotion as the Supervisor of Capital Programs in 2015, a position she held for nearly a decade before assuming her current role as Director in 2024. As Director, she leads a team responsible for project management, fiscal oversight, facility design, and long-term planning, all critical components in delivering high-quality educational facilities.
Jackson's impact on PGCPS is deeply rooted in her extensive construction management and strategic planning background. Before joining the Department of Capital Programs, she held leadership positions in various organizations, contributing to large-scale projects in the public and private sectors. Her role as Executive Director at The FCBA Group from 2011 to 2014 involved managing a team of project management consultants to improve construction management processes. During this time, she oversaw the successful delivery of major infrastructure projects, including a $54 million university construction project in Washington, D.C., and a $12.2 million historic renovation in Annapolis, Maryland.
Her experience also extends to government infrastructure development. As a Senior Project Manager with the D.C. Government from 2008 to 2012, Jackson led a team handling a $90 million portfolio of design-build projects for the Deputy Mayor's Office. She also played a critical role in constructing libraries, recreational centers, and educational facilities, further cementing her expertise in managing public-sector construction initiatives.
Jackson's civil and structural engineering foundation, earned at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has given her the technical expertise to lead complex construction projects. Early in her career, she worked as a project engineer and consultant for companies such as Rand Construction and Accenture, where she honed her skills in project execution, contract management, and process improvement.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Jackson has demonstrated a strong commitment to community development. As Vice Chair of the FCBA Group's Board of Directors, she was pivotal in directing organizational initiatives and supporting educational scholarships through the "Change It" Foundation. Her leadership in philanthropic efforts aligns with her mission at PGCPS, which is to ensure that infrastructure investments translate into improved learning experiences for students.
Under Jackson's leadership, PGCPS's Department of Capital Programs continues to advance transformative initiatives, such as incorporating innovative, sustainable designs in all newly built schools. Her extensive experience and her strategic vision make her a vital influence in reshaping Prince George's County's educational infrastructure. As she continues to lead Capital Programs, Jackson remains dedicated to creating school environments that empower the next generation of learners.