As managing partner for KPMG’s Houston office, Tandra Jackson uses her 24 years of experience across multiple industries – including energy, chemicals, industrial, manufacturing and health care – to lead a team of more than 1,270 professionals dedicated to helping clients achieve their business potential.
She also helps drive the advancement of women – and, more broadly, inclusion and diversity – within the firm and across the broader marketplace through her involvement with KPMG’s Network of Women (KNOW) and the Women Corporate Directors (WCD) chapter in Houston, and by mentoring other female professionals. Her greatest asset is her ability to inspire others to take charge of their careers and make a positive contribution to the community in which they live and work.
Having been selected as Managing Partner for KPMG’s Houston Business Unit is a source of pride for Jackson. “It is such an honor to serve as leader of a major market, with an incredible team of talented professionals. I was given the opportunity because of my track record of delivering results. Also, I raised my hand and put myself forward for the opportunity,” Jackson reflects.
Active in, and committed to her community, Jackson serves on the boards of the Ronald McDonald House of Houston, Greater Houston Partnership, Houston Zoo and Central Houston, Inc. She is also a founding member of the Houston chapter of CEOs Against Cancer.
For Jackson, diversity and inclusion mean respecting the differences that make each of us unique, and valuing the perspectives and experiences of all people, regardless of their backgrounds. “Diversity is important to business because the collective experiences and insights of people from different backgrounds drives innovation, yields the best solutions and breeds success,” she explains. “It means respecting individual differences, including race, gender, age, personality, education and background.”
Jackson offers this advice to other professional women: “Be passionate. Be persistent. Be mindful of your goals and objectives. Speak up for yourself. Volunteer to take on new challenges. Seek out mentors who can help you reach your goals. Take the bumps along the road in stride—things won’t always go your way. Celebrate your successes, and thank those who helped. Support others on their journey. And live each day with purpose!”
