Verjeana Jacobs

Verjeana M. Jacobs, an accomplished attorney, trained mediator and licensed consultant, is known for her exceptional facilitation and consensus-building skills.  She provides sophisticated technical assistance to organizations in the development of collaborative work plans and in building their capacity to implement those plans. Verjeana Jacobs has over 25 years in the law and public service working with multiple complex bureaucracies including urban education systems, non-profit organizations, government/quasi-government agencies, and labor unions.  Whether as Chair of one of the largest school districts in the United States, President of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education, or as Chair of the National School Boards' Council of Urban Boards of Education, Jacobs is known for her effectiveness in bringing divergent stakeholders to the table to tackle contentious, yet necessary issues with the focus on developing effecitve communications strategies and strong professional relationships for optimal group performance. In addition to her distinguished legal and public service career, she maintains an accomplished record as a consultant and facilitation expert.  Ms. Jacobs assists well-performing organizations, those under stress and those who are just beginning relationships.  Her strong work ethic, adept assessment ability and legal competence yield effective results for her clients.  She provides customized group facilitation as well as executive one-on-one coaching on a variety of topics: governance  and board development, mission-vision-vorevalues, strategic planning, policy development, organizational management, crisis management, capacity-building, finance and budgeting, employment law/personnel and contractual matters. A Corrections professional from 1989-2012, retiring as Lt. Colonel, Jacobs delivered confidential executive level expertise and counsel regarding the management, coordination, investigation, and supervision of classified, sensitive security and administrative matters. As an Adjunct Professor, Jacobs possesses the competence and capacity to teach in a variety fo disciplines pertaining to real-world challenges and within the complexities of adult learning environments.  She has been an instructor of issues addressing public safety, education, public policy, and adequate advocacy and legal representation. Verjeana M. Jacobs is a qualified, skilled professional.  In addition to her legal training she is licensed as a Standards for Excellence consultant through the Maryland Nonprofits Association and is a trained American Arbitration Association mediator. Jacobs is attuned to diverse audiences, respects the importance of cultural competence and has great appreciation of the value of cross-sector collaborations within communities.  She is acutely attentive to the nuances of group process and facilitates group dynamics with wit, flexibility and structure. Ms. Jacobs is licensed to practice law in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Further information regarding Ms. Jacobs' background, references and expertiese are available on request.      

Social Justice, Education Advocacy, Criminal Justice Reform, Parent/Family Empowerment, Grass-roots politics; Drama-Comedy,