A native of Birmingham, Ala., Mr. John Hackett, Jr., CEO of J.H. Jr. & Associates, LLC, earned his baccalaureate degree from Alabama A&M University in building construction engineering. He taught woodworking for the Birmingham and Vestavia school systems for approximately seven years. He went on to receive certifications in park and recreation maintenance management, as well as master maintenance from North Carolina State University. While attending the University of Alabama, he was able to complete certificates in maintenance management and master maintenance management.

Hackett's career spans over 35 years of service to the City of Birmingham, the Housing Authority Birmingham District (HABD), and Alabama Power Company. By holding various positions within the companies, he was able to master many skills that include, but are not limited to, planning, streamlining, organizing, maintenance, construction, purchasing inventory management, warehousing, and administrative techniques.

The member of the Alpha Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., is a past president of the Alabama A&M University National Alumni Association. He and his wife of nearly 45 years, the former Lila Morgan, are the proud parents of four, grandparents of seven, and great-grandparents of five.