Meet Michael Jackson
Occupation: Chief Diversity Officer
Organization: Bernhard Capital Partners
Do you work on any BRAC working groups, committees, or councils? If so, please elaborate.
I, along with a group of Chief Diversity Officers in the Baton Rouge region, are working collaboratively with the BRAC Diversity and Inclusion committee.
What does your company/organization do?
Bernhard Capital Partners is a private equity management firm focused on middle-market services companies. We are operationally focused on investing across the services spectrum
What are some advantages of being located/doing business in the Capital Region?
Baton Rouge is attracting global players with major operations to the area and is home to one of the most productive workforces in the Southeast. Baton Rouge is the leading city in our state with respect to its economic diversity and stability. Our ability to cultivate our own resources, attract talent, and embrace our cultural diversity are key components to the region’s forward moving economic strength and sustainability. Several of our Bernhard Capital Partners’ portfolio companies are headquartered in the Capital Region for that purpose.
Why did you decide to invest in BRAC?
Bernhard Capital Partners decided to invest in BRAC because we above all understand the importance of community. An investment in BRAC is critical to job creation and competitiveness for our region. Our investment in BRAC aligns us with a powerful community of business leaders and entrepreneurs. It is by way of our alliance that we promote important initiatives while providing a high level of engagement, access, visibility and return on investment for us and the community we serve.
What would you say to companies contemplating joining BRAC?
You too can understand and appreciate community as we do at Bernhard Capital Partners in the Capital Region. Joining BRAC gives you access. You never know who you will meet and where those relationships will lead.
What do you anticipate for your company in the next five years? For the Capital Region?
In the next five years Bernhard Capital Partners will increase its investments with continued focus on Louisiana and the southeast region of the United States. We will cultivate local assets, work to attract the best talent to the region and continue to be the leader in private equity investments in the southeast region.
BRAC is an investor-driven organization leading economic development in the nine-parish Baton Rouge Area. BRAC’s investor base includes small businesses, midsize firms, large industry and entrepreneurial startups, as well as other individuals and organizations.
Each month, BRAC highlights one of its investors in the Investor Spotlight. To learn more about becoming an investor, visit the Join BRAC page or schedule a meeting with BRAC’s Investor Development and Relations team.