Sue Jackson is managing partner of KPMG LLP’s Hartford office, where she leads strategy, people and client service across the region. An audit partner with more than 30 years at the firm, she has served major insurance and health care clients and holds the role of Securities and Exchange Commission reviewing partner.
She joined KPMG in 1993 and was admitted to the partnership in 1999. Jackson is active in the Hartford community and chairs the board of Junior Achievement of Southwest New England.
Over the past year, she cited KPMG’s integration of generative AI and AI agents across service lines, along with workforce upskilling, as a key milestone. Looking ahead, Jackson said rapid technology transformation presents both opportunity and risk, as KPMG supports clients navigating regulatory complexity while investing in digital capabilities and responsible AI deployment.
What qualities are most essential for effective leadership today?
In today’s environment, resilience and adaptability are essential — especially as AI continues to develop and reshape the way we work. Leaders who can embrace that change, rather than resist it, will be best positioned to succeed. I’ve also always believed that kindness, empathy and the ability to communicate effectively are important qualities.
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What do you value most about living or doing business in Connecticut?
I enjoy our business community where leaders know each other and work collaboratively in areas of the economy, workforce and support the needs of the community. I see leaders of Fortune 100 companies working with small businesses and local politicians to make Hartford a better place to work and live.
I also value the accessibility of the city on a day-to-day basis.
Being able to get in and out of Hartford without the traffic you encounter in larger cities was something I especially valued when my daughter was young and balancing work and family. It’s one of those benefits that becomes clearer the more time you spend elsewhere.
What is one change that would make Connecticut more competitive economically?
Improving the tax climate for individuals and businesses would make a meaningful difference in Connecticut’s economic competitiveness. Too many good companies have left the state, and recruiting college graduates to our major cities remains an ongoing challenge. Getting this right is essential if we want Connecticut to thrive in the years ahead.
Book recommendation: “Chasing Daylight” by Eugene O’Kelly
Go-to news media outlets: The Wall Street Journal, NBC News on Satellite radio TikTok
Hobby or leisure activity: I enjoy time in the summer at the beach reading and spending time with family and friends. Nantucket is my happy place.
Favorite podcast: “Acquired,” “Everything Happens” with Kate Bowler