Tara H. Jackson, Interim State's Attorney

Tara H. Jackson

Tara H. Jackson has been appointed as the State's Attorney, succeeding Aisha Braveboy, who has transitioned to the role of County Executive for Prince George's County. Jackson will serve in this position for the next 18 months, following Braveboy's successful campaign and the vacancy created by former County Executive Angela Alsobrooks' historic election to the United States Senate in 2024.

This transition represents a significant moment in local governance as Jackson begins her new role. As the State's Attorney, Jackson brings a commitment to fairness, transparency, and community-centered justice. A dedicated public servant with a career spanning over two decades, Jackson has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to leadership, integrity, and community impact.

Jackson’s journey in public service began as a line prosecutor in the Office of the State's Attorney, where she was drawn to the discretion and responsibility to “do the right thing.” After eight years in private practice, litigating criminal, civil, and administrative cases, she returned to public service as Principal Deputy State's Attorney. In this role, she honed her skills in administration and leadership, which she later carried into her position as Deputy County Attorney. As Deputy County Attorney, she provided legal counsel to various government agencies and helped manage the administration of the County’s Office of Law.

Recognizing her passion for governance and organizational management, Jackson transitioned to the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Government Operations under former County Executive Alsobrooks. In this capacity, she helped streamline County operations and enhance public service delivery. She later rose to the position of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) in December 2020, solidifying her reputation as a results-driven and empathetic leader. 

During her time as CAO, she served as a special advisor to former County Executive Alsobrooks, providing counsel on difficult policy and fiscal matters. As CAO, she adopted an empowerment-focused leadership style, giving directors and DCAOs across County Government the tools they need to achieve the priorities of the administration. In addition, Jackson led Prince George’s County through complex challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, transitioning the workforce to remote operations, establishing vaccination centers, and managing federal relief funds with fiscal responsibility. Her collaborative leadership style and focus on empowering others earned her widespread respect across County Government and the community.

Jackson went on to serve as the Acting County Executive for Prince George's County, Maryland. As Acting County Executive, Jackson’s priorities included maintaining the stability of government operations during the leadership transition, developing a responsible FY26 budget to send to the County Council, advancing key economic development projects like the Blue Line Corridor, enhancing community services, and ensuring equitable access to resources for all Prince George’s County residents. Her leadership is marked by a dedication to collaboration, transparency, and a vision for a thriving and inclusive community. Motivated by her faith and a commitment to public service, Interim State's Attorney Jackson remains steadfast in her mission to make a positive and lasting impact on Prince George's County.

Jackson earned a Bachelor of Science from James Madison University, a Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law, and a Master of Divinity in Leadership Development from the Phoenix Seminary, reflecting her deep-rooted servant leadership style. She is a member of the First Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro. In addition, she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Board of Directors of the Foundation Schools, and serves on the Character Committee of the Fourth Appellate Judicial Circuit. State's Attorney Jackson is a devoted wife to Lawrence Paul Jackson II and a loving mother to their son, Josiah.