Chief Operating Officer

Karris M. Jackson

Karris M. Jackson is currently Chief Operating Officer at POISE Foundation, a community foundation focused exclusively on supporting the African American community. Ms. Jackson’s responsibilities include managing the Foundation’s grant making portfolio, convening community stakeholders and advancing the foundation’s mission through leadership and advocacy. Ms. Jackson is a published author, blogger and lecturer on social justice, leadership and philanthropy. She has a strong desire to push the boundaries of philanthropy to be more inclusive and effective at addressing issues impacting the Black community. Ms. Jackson holds a BA in English from Allegheny College, a MS in Secondary School Administration from Duquesne University and a Certificate in Non-profit Management from Harvard University. She is a founding member of the Sankofa Fund Giving Circle, the African American Funders Group of Southwestern, PA, the 2012-2013 ABFE Connecting Leaders Fellows Class and a graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh XXV. She has received numerous awards including the 2014 Emerging Leader in Philanthropy Award from the Association of Black Foundation Executives, Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 under 40, the New Pittsburgh Courier’s 50 Women of Excellence and the Pittsburgh Pirates Community Champion Award. Karris is married to Calvin L. Jackson, Jr. and is the proud mother of Derrick, Olivia and Deborah.