Jackson resigns from Chicago Urban League

Former U.S. Senate candidate Cheryle Jackson has stepped down as president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League.

Jackson ran unsuccessfully in the Democratic primary for a run for President Barack Obama's former Senate seat.

Urban League spokesman Roderick Hawkins says Jackson has been on unpaid leave from the civil rights organization since September. She didn't return after the election.

Jackson is set to join AAR Corp. as vice president of government affairs and corporate development on March 29. AAR is an aerospace supplier and service provider based in the Chicago suburb of Wood Dale.

Jackson joined the Urban League in 2006 after serving as an aide to former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Hawkins says the organization is searching for Jackson's replacement.