Manufacturing CEO receives airport board appointment

NORTH VENICE — Jeff Jackson, CEO and president of window and door manufacturer PGT Innovations, has been appointed to the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority Board. Gov. Ron DeSantis made the appointment. 

The Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority Board has six commissioners appointed by the governor, according to a press release. Jackson will serve a four-year term. 

The Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority was created as a public agency to operate and manage the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. The Airport Authority is tasked with the power to acquire, construct, improve, finance, operate and maintain the airport facilities for the primary purpose of meeting the air transportation needs of Sarasota and Manatee counties.  

“I am truly honored to be selected to join this significant board,” says Jackson in the statement. “I look forward to working closely with the other commissioners to guide and support the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority’s efforts to provide world-class air transportation service to Sarasota and Manatee counties.” 

Jackson joined PGT Innovations in November 2005 as vice president and CFO. Today, PGT Innovations employs more than 3,000 people across its Florida facilities and is the largest private sector employer in Sarasota County. 

Prior to joining PGT, Jackson held several executive management roles, including vice president and corporate controller at The Hershey Co. and senior vice president and CFO at Schwan’s Bakery. He also held executive management roles with Flowers Foods Inc. and Coca-Cola. 

PGT Innovations brands include CGI; PGT Custom Windows and Doors; WinDoor; Western Window Systems; Eze-Breeze; CGI Commercial; and NewSouth Window Solutions. The company reported $744.96 million in revenue in 2019.