Arts Patron
Des Moines, Iowa
Bill Jackson is a native of Atlantic, Iowa, a graduate of Atlantic High School, and he earned his bachelor of fine arts degree from Drake University in Des Moines. He was administrative assistant to former Governor Robert D. Ray for more than nine years, and was program director and station manager of television station WHO in Des Moines. In 1986, Bill was named by Governor Terry E. Branstad to direct the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, one of the 23 newly reorganized state agencies. Its divisions include the Iowa Arts Council, for which he also served as executive director, and the State Historical Society of Iowa. Bill is a member and treasurer of the Chinese Cultural Center of America and member of the Des Moines Rotary Club and the Gold Star Museum. He is a past board president of the Salvation Army and current board member of the Iowa Sister State Committee, the Greater Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, the Des Moines United Way Campaign Committee, and the Iowa Broadcasters Association. Bill currently works as a consultant to arts and cultural organizations.