Let the DrumRoll for Keion Jackson, Joycelyn Johnson, Theo Richards, and Shalanda Young
SU Police Chief Joycelyn M. Johnson gains international leadership, Theo Richards becomes CEO of CATS, Shalanda Young featured in 'People', Port Allen honors Keion Jackson
City of Port Allen declares March 13, 2024, Keion Jackson Day
The City of Port Allen Mayor Richard Andy III and city council members recently honored native Keion Jackson for his outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry. They declared March 13, 2024, as Keion Jackson Day and presented him with a key to the city.
“They say it takes a village. I am so grateful that this is my village,” Jackson told the council. “I am very passionate about creating TV shows that inspire, encourage, and educate youth. I am very fortunate to do some things that hopefully help make the world a better place and what ya’ll gave to me, I’m giving to the world. Thank you, Port Allen.”
His career as a creative writer began in second grade when his poem was published in the Westside Journal. Now, Jackson is a three-time Emmy-nominated writer. He is a co-executive producer and the senior story editor of "Dee and Friends in Oz," a Netflix series. His writing credits include series such as “Sesame Street” and “Karma’s World,” created by Chris “Ludacris” Bridges. “Karma’s World” was nominated for the EMMY’s Outstanding Writing for an Animated Program. He is the show’s story editor. He was story editor gig for Silvergate and 9 Story and a senior writer with Hallmark Cards. He has also authored four books including “Because Jesus” .
Jackson attended Clark Atlanta University, where he received a degree in mass media arts with a concentration in television and film production.
Southern’s police chief gains international leadership role
Southern University Police Chief Joycelyn M. Johnson was recently named the 2024-2025 director-at-large for the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators.
The organization is the largest professional association devoted to excellence in campus public safety and law enforcement. Additionally, Johnson was selected as part of the sixth cohort of the FBI National Command Course. The in-demand course provides training to law enforcement executives to improve relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve, to increase liaison between departments resulting in more effective policing, and to enhance public safety overall.
Johnson, who was hired as an SUPD patrol officer in 1999, has held every ranking position, except captain. She became the first woman to be officially appointed chief of the SUPD in 2014. Since her tenure, she has upgraded and implemented technology in the day-to-day operations of the SUPD; consistently partnered with local, state and national agencies; and increased community policing initiatives such as the annual “Kickin’ It With Cops” activity for students.
Johnson, an alumna of Southern University and A&M College, holds an associate’s degree in law enforcement, a bachelor’s in criminal justice, and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration.
Theo Richards named CEO of Baton Rouge’s Capital Area Transit Services
Since July 2023, Theo Richards has been interim CEO for the Capital Area Transit System. In his time, has made improvements and new technology additions like an app that allows riders to stay up to date with CATS.
On March 11, Richards was named CEO. He has more than 13 years of experience and served as the systems director of business development and outreach.
Richards shared his appreciation on Facebook, “I'm beyond honored and humbled to announce that I've been selected as the CEO of Capital Area Transit System. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support from my family, friends, and God. Your belief in me fuels my determination to lead this amazing team to even greater heights! To stay in the loop with all the exciting developments, innovations, and milestones, be sure to follow BTR CATS. Together, we'll embark on an extraordinary journey of growth and success!”
‘People’ Magazine features Shalanda Young, for work in the White House Budget office
Kyler Alvord of People magazine recently featured Clinton, La. native Shalanda Young in “The Woman Behind the Federal Budget Hopes Her Work Makes a Statement: ‘It’s Anything but a Financial Document’
Alvord writes, “Young is the first woman of color to lead the Office of Management of Budget, following a long line of directors that are overwhelmingly White and male. When Biden nominated her for the role, she already had 15 years of experience under her belt working with the House Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for pushing final budget legislation through Congress.”
As the OMB Director, Young oversees the agency’s information security policies and practices, “including developing and overseeing the implementation of policies, principles, standards, and guidelines on information security.”
She reports directly to the President and compiles the president's budget each year after months of hearing federal agencies’ pitches. She also helps executive departments and agencies across the Federal Government to implement the commitments and priorities of the President.
Last year, Young and two colleagues led the Democratic side in negotiations over the United States debt-ceiling crisis. Her input was described as "indispensable" in reaching a proposed agreement.
She is a graduate of Scotlandville Magnet High School Baton Rouge and earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Loyola University New Orleans and a master of health administration from Tulane University.
Read the People article here.
By Zenobia Reed, DrumBeats La Digital Content Manager.