Mrs. Jacqueline Farris has served as Director General of the Yar’Adua Foundation from its inception in 1998 till date. Born in Panama City, Florida, U.S.A., she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Urban Development from Michigan State University in 1977, graduating Magna Cum Laude.

Her career achievements include Legislative Staff, Office of Congressman Andrew Young, Washington, D.C. (1976-1977); Political Section - African Affairs, U.S. Mission to the United Nations, New York (1977-1979); Andrew Young Associates, Atlanta, Georgia (1981-84); Government Relations, Office of the Mayor, City of Atlanta (1985-88); Business Consultant, Pratt & Whitney, United Technologies, Hartford, Connecticut (1990-98), providing advice on the political transitions in Nigeria and South Africa; and Media Consultant, Social Democratic Party (1992), Lagos, Nigeria. She relocated to Nigeria in 1998 in order to establish the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation.

Mrs. Farris’ professional skills include non-profit governance, organizational leadership, financial management, policy development and government advocacy.