Leesburg Bids Farewell to Long-Serving Streets Superintendent OJ Jackson

Leesburg, VA – After more than two decades of dedicated service to the Town of Leesburg, Orland “OJ” Jackson, the Superintendent of Streets, is retiring. Jackson, who began his tenure with the Town in February 2000, has played a crucial role in maintaining the town’s infrastructure and ensuring the smooth operation of its public works. His departure marks the end of an era for the Town’s Public Works Department, where he has been a consistent presence and a key figure in its development.

Jackson initially joined the Town as the Superintendent of Streets, Buildings, and Grounds. In 2006, when the oversight of building maintenance became a separate position, he transitioned to focus solely on his role as Streets Superintendent. In this capacity, he has been responsible for a team of 30 employees tasked with the upkeep of Leesburg’s 269 lane miles. His division’s responsibilities encompass a wide range of essential services, including ongoing maintenance, managing a work order system for necessary repairs, facilitating brush and leaf collection, addressing sign repairs, and overseeing special projects. The Public Works Department, under Jackson’s leadership, has also been instrumental in supporting Town and permitted special events and ensuring the timely placement of American flags during specific times of the year.

Jackson has consistently emphasized the importance of delivering superior customer service to the residents of Leesburg, highlighting his commitment to responsiveness and meeting resident expectations. He has also taken pride in his role in employee development, consistently working to train his staff for advancement and prioritizing internal promotions. His career in public service is complemented by an extensive military background. Jackson proudly served the nation for 20 years in the U.S. Army, retiring in December 2003 as a Sergeant First Class E7. During his military service, he was deployed to Saudi Arabia from 1990-1991 for Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield as a reservist. He was later activated again in 2002 for Operation Noble Eagle, serving a year at Fort Lewis, Washington. Prior to his distinguished career with the Town of Leesburg, Jackson spent 17 years in the private sector, gaining valuable experience in the construction industry.

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Jackson reflected on his tenure, noting that what began as a job evolved into a fulfilling career. He expressed gratitude for the friendships forged with colleagues, describing them as a second family. He recounted navigating various weather conditions and numerous emergency callouts, emphasizing the collective effort and long hours dedicated to ensuring street safety and community mobility. Jackson acknowledged that street maintenance work is often challenging and goes unnoticed, but underscored its significant impact on the community. He stated that every road repair, every cleared street, every late-night response, and every special event contributed to making a difference in the lives of Leesburg residents. The Public Works Director, Renee LaFollette, commended Jackson’s extensive experience, which spans construction and maintenance, and acknowledged the valuable leadership skills he brought from his military service, noting how these qualities were well-utilized and tested throughout his years with the Town. In his retirement, Jackson looks forward to traveling with his wife, with several trips already planned, and dedicating time to home improvement projects.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Town of Leesburg, Virginia

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