Fifteen years ago, I met Jackie and from that moment on, my life was better because she was in it.
What started as a working relationship quickly turned into something much deeper. Over the years, we built a friendship grounded in trust, honesty, and mutual respect. Our daily conversations, the real ones, are what I will miss the most.
There was never any pretense with Jackie. If something needed to be said, she said it. If something needed to be fixed, she worked on it. If someone needed support, she was there.
Jackie was loyal in a way that is rare. She stood by her principles and by her people. She cared deeply about doing what was right, not what was easy. I respected her not only for her knowledge and dedication, but for her character. She had strength, integrity, and a heart that always showed up for others.
We didn’t always agree and that’s what made our bond stronger. Our honesty with each other built something real. I already miss those daily check-ins, the laughs, the debates, the straight talk. There’s a quiet now where her voice used to be.
Jackie made an impact that will last far beyond her time here. She made us better, better leaders, better friends, better people.
She will be deeply missed, but never forgotten