Lisa P. Jackson
Lisa P. Jackson is administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She is the first African-American to serve the post. Originally from New Orleans, Jackson graduated summa cum laude from Tulane University, and earned a master’s degree in chemical engineering from Princeton University. In 1987, she joined the EPA as a staff-level scientist; in 2002, Jackson accepted a position with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, where she was appointed commissioner of the agency four years later. By 2008, Jackson had been called to the cabinet of President Barack Obama. In her current role, as EPA administrator, Jackson has focused on improving air and water quality, especially in underserved communities.