Dr. Jackie Sharp
Dr. Jackie Sharp
Chief Executive Officer | Educator | Child Welfare Advocate | Humanitarian
Dr. Jackie Sharp is a respected nonprofit executive, educator, and child welfare advocate with more than 40 years of experience serving children, families, and communities throughout Illinois. Her career has been dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable populations through leadership in mental health, foster care, behavioral health, higher education, and social service administration.
Dr. Sharp earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and her Master’s degree in Education from Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi. In 2003, she received her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Governors State University in University Park, Illinois, with a specialized focus on Children and Families. In 2015, she obtained certification to work with Military Veterans and their Families through the Dominican University School of Social Work in River Forest, Illinois. In recognition of her outstanding commitment to service and humanity, Dr. Sharp was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humanities from United Graduate College and Seminary International in 2018.
Dr. Sharp began her professional career in the mental health field, serving in both therapeutic and supervisory roles with Bobby E. Wright Mental Health Center, Methodist Youth Services, and Community Mental Health Council, Inc. Her passion for helping children eventually led her to focus on foster care and child welfare services, where she became a strong advocate for abused, neglected, and underserved youth.
Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Sharp has held several influential leadership positions, including Manager of Licensing and Recruitment of Foster Homes at Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Placement Supervisor for Youth in Care at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), and Vice President of Administrative and Behavioral Health at Annie B. Jones (ABJ). From 1999 to 2008, she served in multiple executive leadership roles at Lakeside Community Committee (LCC), including Quality Assurance Director, Child Welfare Administrator, and Deputy Executive Director.
In 2008, Dr. Sharp was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Lakeside Community Committee, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for children and families by inspiring hope, empowerment, and growth. Under her leadership, LCC continues to provide critical support services for abused and neglected children, foster youth, pregnant and parenting teen mothers, foster parents, and relative caregivers.
In addition to her executive leadership, Dr. Sharp has served as an Adjunct Professor at South Suburban College since 2004, teaching Human Services Administration courses and mentoring future leaders in the social service profession. She also serves as a Peer Reviewer for the Council on Accreditation (COA), helping ensure that nonprofit and social service agencies maintain high standards of care and organizational excellence.
Dr. Sharp is also a proud recipient of the prestigious Chicago Defender Women of Excellence Award, recognizing her extraordinary leadership, community impact, and dedication to uplifting others. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she remains actively engaged in civic and social organizations. She is a member of The Chicago Charmers, The Chicago Drifters, and Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. – Chicago Chapter of Lincoln Park, organizations committed to fellowship, leadership, mentorship, and community service.
Widely recognized for her compassion, visionary leadership, and unwavering dedication to strengthening families and communities, Dr. Jackie Sharp continues to leave a lasting legacy of advocacy, empowerment, and transformational service.
