We recently welcomed Jeff Jackson, a part-time marketing and communications specialist, to the Design Outreach team. Jeff comes with a vast array of experience and a deep passion for serving developing countries. Our marketing partners at 212 Media Studios took a few minutes to get to know Jeff—and thought you would love to meet him too. Here is a glimpse at their Q&A time:

Q: What brought you to DO?

A: “I am in the same church as Thom Haubert, (one of DO’s engineers), and responded to the job posting he put on one of our email lines. I would like to think it was divine providence, but I’m sure there was a bit of ‘right place, right time’ thrown in there as well!”

Q: What other experience do you have in this field?

A: “I studied Landscape Architecture and Urban Design during undergrad, and took part in a study abroad international development studio in Ghana, where I saw first hand how design and planning could be used in the developing world. After graduating, I took a job doing Real Estate Marketing, but I never lost my concern for developing countries. I have since traveled to Kenya to take part in a hospital master plan with Engineering Ministries International, and to India to intern with India Gospel League. After my trip to India I decided to pursue a master’s degree in Community and Economic Development to better understand how cities and communities can be formed both physically and operationally. I am thinking about pursuing a PhD in City & Regional Planning—but we’ll see how I feel after graduate school!”

Q: Where are you from? Married? Have kids?

A: “I was born and raised in Columbus, OH. I am currently single but live with 10 of my close friends, who can sometimes count as children albeit in an endearing sort of way.”

Q: Why are you excited to work with DO?

A: “I am honored to be able to come alongside the DO team to contribute not just my skills and experience, but passion for meeting the needs of those in developing countries. I’m excited to be used by God in the ways He’s gifted me in order to accomplish the good works He’s set before me.”

Q: What responsibilities will your job include? And how many hours per week?

A: “As of now it’s kind of a mixed bag of graphic design, administration, planning, marketing, communications, and fundraising coordination. I hope to use my skills as an urban designer/community and economic development professional to aid in creating new products for DO. As of now I am part time.”

Q: What do you like to do for fun?

A: “I have a broad background in the fine arts that I like to dabble in from time to time. I began my undergrad as a music major, and have been playing for most of my life. My main instruments are French Horn and Sitar (I know…weird combination). I also enjoy drawing (graphite /color pencil/calligraphy) but usually have to wait for a birthday, holiday, or wedding to have an excuse to make something.”

Want to get in touch with Jeff? Contact him via email at jeffj@doutreach.org