Toni Jackson

People-first culture leader with 7+ years of experience building the human infrastructure behind high-performing, mission-driven organizations. Proven track record developing and promoting talent, designing equitable people systems, and cultivating cultures where staff feel valued, supported, and connected to purpose. Developed and promoted 8 staff to management level and 2 to director level — all retained for 2+ years.

Deep expertise in HR lifecycle management, DEI integration, employee engagement, KPI tracking and reporting, and wellness-centered frameworks.

Youth Mental Health First

Aid certified. Known for building trust across all levels of an organization and translating people strategy into tangible, lasting culture change.

Director of Community Response Services at Policing Alternatives & Diversion Initiative (PAD) (2024-01 – Present)

• Directly manage 4 managers and lead a multidisciplinary team of 30+ staff, fostering an organizational environment rooted in inclusion, resilience, psychological safety, and shared purpose.
• Developed and promoted 8 staff to management level roles and 2 to director level roles; all retained for 2+ years, demonstrating sustained investment in individual growth and organizational succession.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on budget planning across a $5M operating budget; directly manage $2M departmental budget including staff compensation decisions, stipends, and salary increases.
• Own the internal operational rhythm of a 50+ person multidisciplinary organization including planning cycles, goal-setting processes, quarterly alignment, and weekly coordination structures across Community Response, Social Services, and Community Engagement departments.
• Drive 100% staff adoption of new systems through empathy-forward change management plans; track and report people KPIs to executive leadership to inform organizational strategy.
• Translate executive priorities into people-centered milestones, ensuring staff feel equipped, informed, and connected to the organizational direction.
• Advise on workforce planning, team structure, and talent development in support of sustainable organizational growth.

Community Response Supervisor at Policing Alternatives & Diversion Initiative (PAD) (2021-11 – 2024-01)

• Cultivated a team culture of accountability, belonging, and continuous growth, modeling inclusive leadership and equitable management practices.
• Coached and developed frontline staff and emerging leaders, investing in individual growth as a core driver of team retention and organizational health.
• Developed and facilitated team-building processes and internal feedback rhythms that strengthened staff engagement and cross-functional trust.

VP, Team Building Committee at Policing Alternatives & Diversion Initiative (PAD) (2023-03 – Present)

• Lead organization-wide wellness, recognition, and employee engagement initiatives that deepen staff connection to mission and to one another.
• Design staff feedback mechanisms and recognition programs that surface employee voice and reinforce a culture of appreciation and belonging.
• Plan and execute trainings and culture events to strengthen cross-departmental collaboration and internal communication.

Strategic Operations & People Consultant at Sweet Art Studios, LLC (Contractor) (2024 – Present)

• Architected people infrastructure for a 35-person social services agency; standardizing the full employee lifecycle from recruitment through offboarding.
• Implemented automated HRIS workflows reducing administrative burden by 20%; developed KPI tracking and reporting systems improving leadership visibility into people operations.
• Developed a Restorative Stewardship framework integrating wellness initiatives and peer support loops to combat burnout in a high-intensity service environment.
• Designed and executed a change management roadmap ensuring 100% service and staff continuity during a critical leadership transition.
• Standardized equitable hiring and onboarding practices ensuring alignment between people processes and organizational values.

Lead Recruiter at City of Refuge (2017-04 – 2019-04)

• Managed the full recruitment and onboarding lifecycle for workforce development programs serving at-risk youth, achieving 92% enrollment capacity and 89% student retention through equitable, relationship-centered practices.
• Coordinated and facilitated monthly job fairs, recruiting employer partners, conducting resume reviews and mock interviews, and providing hands-on styling support through the clothing closet to help participants show up with confidence and dignity.
• Directed a team of 20+ staff; designed inclusive hiring processes aligned with organizational values and participant dignity.
• Led post-placement follow-up initiatives to support long-term job success, reinforcing the belief that economic opportunity requires sustained investment.

Executive Legal Secretary at City of Atlanta — Department of Law (2019-04 – 2021-11)

• Provided strategic administrative support to a cross-functional team of attorneys and investigators; identified operational patterns that improved departmental efficiency.
• Served as a trusted connector between teams, modeling people-centered communication and streamlining internal workflows to improve team clarity and collaboration.

Diploma in Human Resource Management – Atlanta Technical College (2020-05)

Certificate in Women in Leadership: Driving Transformation Through Innovation & Resilience – Emory University (2025-03)

Certificate in Team Building and Leadership in Project Management – Microsoft (2025-10)