Wroe Jackson, Texas Association of Manufacturers Executive Vice President, Named 2026 Presidential Leadership Scholar

Joins an accomplished network of leaders making a difference in our nation; will learn from the presidential leadership of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson

AUSTIN - Wroe Jackson, executive vice president and general counsel for the Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM), has been named one of 60 Scholars who will form the Presidential Leadership Scholars' (PLS) 11th annual class. Over the past decade, PLS has brought together nearly 600 established, purpose-driven leaders to collaborate and make a difference in the world as they learn about leadership through the lens of the presidential experiences of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson.

The class was selected after a rigorous application and review process. Scholars were chosen based on their leadership growth potential and the strength of their personal leadership projects aimed at addressing a critical challenge or need in a community, profession, or organization.

Wroe Jackson is a widely respected leader in Texas public policy with deep experience in law, government, and industry. Since 2019, he has led the Texas Association of Manufacturers' strategic planning initiatives, legislative and regulatory advocacy, membership support and recruitment, and coordination across the Association's executive leadership. As TAM's general counsel, Jackson serves as the chief legal advisor to the organization and its members, providing strategic counsel and representing Texas manufacturers before federal agencies and state legislative and regulatory bodies.

Jackson's public service career includes senior leadership roles as chief of staff and general counsel to Senator Joan Huffman, general counsel to three Texas Secretaries of State, and positions with the U.S. Department of Justice and then-Governor Rick Perry's office.

He holds a bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University in Public Policy Studies and earned his Juris Doctor from St. Mary's University School of Law.

"It is an honor to join 59 other incredible professionals to form the Presidential Leadership Scholars Class of 2026," said Jackson. "I look forward to getting to know these proven leaders from across the country who are committed to facing critical challenges in their communities and around the world. I am eager to learn from the work of Presidents Johnson, Bush, Clinton, and Bush, and apply that knowledge to the important work we do at TAM every day."

During the six-month program, Jackson will develop his initiative focused on workforce and career development, with an emphasis on pathways into public service. Drawing on his experience across government, law, and industry, he hopes to support and inspire young professionals who are working in - or aspiring to - careers in public service through mentorship, professional networking opportunities, and practical guidance.

"Wroe's selection as a Presidential Leadership Scholar is a testament to his commitment to public service," said Tony Bennett, TAM president and CEO. "We are proud to see his leadership recognized at the national level and confident that his contributions as a member of this year's PLS class will bring valuable insight to his fellow Scholars while helping to shape the future of public leadership nationwide."

Over the course of the program, Scholars will travel to each participating presidential center to learn from former presidents, key former administration officials, business and civic leaders, and leading academics. They will study and put into practice varying approaches to leadership and exchange ideas to help strengthen their impact.

Scholars have consistently reported remarkable growth in skills, responsibilities, and opportunities for impact since the program began in 2015. For example, 93% of Scholars state they have a strong sense of purpose as a leader, and 100% of Scholars state they are inspired to accomplish and achieve more after completing the program.

The 2026 program will begin on Jan. 21 in Washington, D.C.

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About Presidential Leadership Scholars

The Presidential Leadership Scholars program is a partnership among the presidential centers of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson. To learn more, visit www.presidentialleadershipscholars.org. For updates about the Presidential Leadership Scholars, use #PLScholars and follow @PLSprogram on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.