The chief operating officer facilitates and supervises the activities of the Division of Administration as well as the Bureau of Special Investigations, the Office of Certification Administration, the Office of Children’s Services, the Office of the Nurse Delegation Program, the Office of Public Information & Community Relations, the Office of Policy & Planning and the Office of Rights Protection & Advocacy. He also assists the commissioner in assigning and monitoring tasks in direct coordination with the associate commissioners and has decision-making authority for the department in the commissioner's absence.

David Jackson, J.D., formerly served as the senior attorney in the department’s legal office. The chief operating officer monitors every major issue facing the department and advises the commissioner on major policy issues. David Jackson may be contacted by calling 334-242-3107 or by email at david.jackson@mh.alabama.gov.