Fernandina Observer announces addition to staff

October 30, 2018 5:00 p.m.

The Fernandina Observer is pleased to welcome Cindy Jackson as a new member of our volunteer staff in October of 2018. Cindy will cover the Nassau County Board of Commission meetings along with other assignments.  With this addition to our staff, the Fernandina Observer will expand its County coverage during a time when commissioners are grappling  with finance and growth issues.

Born in scenic Western Maryland, Cindy received her BA in Political Science from Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA. Upon graduation, Cindy began her career on Capitol Hill working as a legislative aide and later became a part of the public relations and lobbying team of the American Iron and Steel Institute.

When the wall came down in Eastern Europe, she moved to the capital city of the Czech Republic to be a part of democracy in the making. Upon her return to the US, she was the director of the office of state legislative affairs for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) one of the largest membership associations in the US, helping that organization grow its grass roots effectiveness.

After a stint working on economic development for the state of Maryland, during which she began work on her MBA, Cindy returned to her hometown of Hagerstown and began extensive work in the nonprofit sector, helping organizations further define their mission, vision and values. As executive director of Leadership Washington County, that organization won the coveted Nonprofit Impact Award, an accomplishment she still considers one of her proudest achievements.

Cindy moved to Amelia Island in 2010 having purchased a ladies’ boutique in historic downtown Fernandina. As owner/operator she became active in the HFBA, (Historic Fernandina Business Association), serving as its secretary for two years. Cindy is also the past president of the Rotary Club of Amelia Island Sunrise, continues to volunteer with many of its service projects, is a docent-in-training at the Cummer Museum, working with elementary school groups and recently joined the Cummer Amelia board of directors.

Cindy lives on Amelia Island with her long-time companion, Jef Bohn, an avid golfer and CPA. In her spare time, Cindy enjoys reading and riding her registered quarter horse mare.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Cindy Jackson.