Sharon Jacko

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT SHARON JACKO

An Iraq combat veteran, Sharon retired as a lieutenant colonel from the Marine Corps in 2008 after 26 years of service. Some of her experiences include serving as Deputy Inspector General for Multi-National Force – Iraq and being Marine Corps coordinator for the Military World Games held in Zagreb, Croatia, the 2nd most significant sporting event in the world next to the Olympics. One of her most satisfying positions was serving as commanding officer of a company of 350 Marines. Immediately after retirement, she returned to a war zone in Afghanistan. She volunteered with the Women of Hope Project, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring hope, dignity, and empowerment to Afghan women and children. She taught business, leadership, and personal development classes to the women and co-developed courses to help establish their micro-enterprises. She also served as board president. She resumed her passion for sports, fitness, and wellness and reopened Fit and Body Wise, a personal fitness training business she started in 1997. She was a partner in developing The Global Partnership for Awakening Women Leaders and The Renewal Center, a retreat center for injured veterans. In addition, she served as interim Chief Executive Officer at Heartly House, an agency that serves the needs of domestic violence victims in Frederick County. As a motivational speaker, she spoke about “Success through Motivation” to nationwide fitness professionals. She was proud to be the guest speaker for the first Iraqi women police graduation class, for a park dedication for a fallen Marine, and everything in between. Currently, she serves as chairman of the United Way of Frederick County board, president of the Literacy Council of Frederick County, and immediate past chairman of the Frederick County Veterans Advisory Council. She is an active member of the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek, elected to serve as President for year 20••••26. Sharon’s focus and passion are helping people to succeed. She has been blessed throughout her life and couldn’t have achieved without the help of family, friends, and community. Since retiring, she has devoted most of her time to giving back.