Catholic Charities USA's Ronald G. Jackson, Sr. to receive Inaugural Servus pro Christo Award from the National Black Catholic Congress

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Jul 17, 2012, 10:00 ET

Award Honors Outstanding Leadership and Service to the Catholic Church in the African American Community

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Catholic Charities USA is honored to announce that Senior Director of Government Affairs, Ronald G. Jackson, Sr., MSW, JD, has been chosen by the National Black Catholic Congress to receive the first of its kind Servus pro Christo (Servant of Christ) Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service to the Catholic Church in the African American Community for 2012.

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Most Reverend John H. Ricard, S.S.J., President of the National Black Catholic Conference said of Mr. Jackson's service, "Having worked with Ron during his time at the D.C. Catholic Conference, I have seen first-hand his singular and tireless efforts in advancing the Catholic faith and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This award honors his many years of exceptional service among his brothers and sisters and recognizes a commitment to continually go above and beyond the call of duty."

Mr. Jackson will receive the award during a ceremony at the National Black Catholic Congress XI in Indianapolis, Indiana.

"I was quite surprised and humbled." Mr. Jackson said after learning of the honor, "I do what I do because of my love for the Church and for God's people. I can think of no better way to live than to spend it serving and saving those who are most in need."

Mr. Jackson's legacy of service began as a voter registration volunteer on the Mississippi Gulf Coast during the civil rights movement of the 1960s. He continued his dedication to civilian service when he began his professional career after college as the first professional African American staff member in the office of City Councilman Douglas Shanks in Jackson, Mississippi from 1973-74.

In August of 1974 Ron moved to Washington, D.C. where he joined the Staff of then-Congressman, now Senior Senator, Thad Cochran (R-Mississippi) as the first African American staffer to work for a Mississippi U.S. Member of Congress since reconstruction.

Prior to joining CCUSA, Ron served for 15 years as the Executive Director of the D.C. Catholic Conference for the Archdiocese of Washington. In that job, Mr. Jackson served three Cardinals; the late His Eminence James Cardinal Hickey, Emeritus Archbishop of Washington His Eminence Theodore Cardinal McCarrick and current Archbishop of Washington His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl; as the government relations liaison between the Archdiocese of Washington and the D.C. Government (Mayor; City Council), Congress and the White House. During his tenure as D.C. Catholic Conference Director, Mr. Jackson served as President of the National Association of State Catholic Conference Directors 2006-2008, which is the National umbrella organization for all Catholic lobbyists.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA