Former City of Ottawa Mayor and former CEO of ECKAN, Richard Jackson, was recently inducted into the 2025 Class of the Community Action Hall of Fame by the National Community Action Foundation. Every year, the foundation inducts several remarkable individuals who have helped lead, strengthen and inspire the Community Action movement. The inductee must be retired from community action but still supporting local community action agencies and making an impact on their community. Jackson was nominated by the Kansas Association of Community Action Programs, a board of current Kansas community action CEO’s.
Crystal Anderson, CEO at ECKAN, felt the nomination was well-deserved. Jackson led ECKAN for 50 years before retiring in 2019. His leadership and vision transformed ECKAN and positively impacted countless lives. Jackson’s contributions extend beyond his professional career. He provided diversity training throughout his home community of Ottawa, served as the first African American elected to the Ottawa City Commission, and held the position of mayor for four terms. Anderson says his dedication to public service and his community is inspiring. ECKAN, one of eight community action agencies in Kansas, has been in existence since 1966. Their mission is to build connections and provide program services in east central Kansas to support the stability, health, and engagement of low-income individuals and families. Congratulations, Richard!
