William C Jackson

Bill Jackson is the Executive Director of the Discovery Partners Institute, and Clinical Professor for Innovation, Leadership, and Engineering Entrepreneurship at the Technology Entrepreneur Center.

He previously served as president of global products, building technologies, and solutions at Johnson Controls where he was responsible for all building products including building controls systems, digital solutions and HVAC equipment throughout the world. His responsibilities included over hundred manufacturing facilities and over 5,000 engineers.   

Early in his career, Bill worked at the consulting firm Booz, Allen & Hamilton and Booz & Company as a senior partner. At Booz & Company, he served in several leadership roles and served on their board of directors. Bill was with Booz & Company for more than 20 years.

Bill has served on several boards, most recently for Metaldyne Performance Group and Cincinnati Milacron. He also serves as chair of the Illinois Engineering Board of Visitors. In 2014, Bill was honored with the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award. 

Bill holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mechanical science and engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He also holds a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Chicago.