Who We Are

We’re thrilled you’re here!

Delta Magic is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation in Helena, Arkansas made up of motivated Delta residents dedicated to highlighting the magic that exists in our community.

MISSION: Delta Magic highlights the “magic” of the Delta by spearheading collaborative initiatives and connecting resources that build local capacity, challenge negative narratives, and foster community pride.

Core Values

Community
Collaboration
Joy

We love our home and its residents, and are excited to celebrate it with you.

Our Team

Managing Director & Co-Founder
Drew Smith is the Program Manager of 75Strong, a statewide economic development program supporting community and economic development leaders in building stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems across Arkansas.
A Helena-West Helena native, Drew serves on the Helena-West Helena School Board of Directors and the board of Main Street Helena. He believes that lasting community change starts with what's already here — the people, organizations, and assets doing the everyday work of building a stronger Delta.

Executive Director
Dr. Abe Marshall Hudson, Jr. is a graduate of T.L. Weston High School in Greenville, Mississippi. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from the University of Southern Mississippi and went on to receive both a Master of Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Finance from Mississippi State University. He completed his doctoral degree in Urban and Regional Planning at Jackson State University in 2021.
Dr. Hudson has held leadership roles across the public, nonprofit, and academic sectors, including serving as a Program Officer for the Home Region Program at the Walton Family Foundation and as a Mississippi State Representative. He has also served as a Visiting Professor at Delta State University and as Program Director of the DEBTS Program for over five years. In addition, he is the owner of Abe Hudson Consulting Services, Inc. and Real Delta Tours and Artistry, Inc.
He and his wife, Adrienne, reside in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and have one daughter, Abee Miranda.

Program Manager
Kyron Williams is an Arkansas Delta native and a graduate of KIPP Delta Collegiate High School. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Business Management from Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas. Kyron has been actively engaged in community work through organizations such as the Aspen Young Leaders Fellowship, Thrive, and Delta GEAR UP. He is passionate about biking and serving as a community mediator.

Community Engagement & Operations Coordinator
Shay Zigler is a graduate of Central High School and holds credentials from Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, where she studied Business, and the University of Arkansas East Arkansas Community College, where she studied Emergency Medical Technology. She is passionate about exploring new opportunities and supporting others in their growth. Shay is the proud mother of three children: Stephon, Samarion, and Samiyah.

Intern
Nyla Larhae Rattler is a graduate of Central High School and currently attends the University of Arkansas Phillips Community College, where she is studying Criminal Justice. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. Nyla is the proud mother of one son, Mason.

Our Board

Board President
Kevin is a long-time Helena resident, former educator. Co-founder of Helena-West Helena 4 Change, passionate about helping bring positive change to the Delta through youth leadership, civic engagement, and access and opportunity!
Kevin has served as a Teacher, Operations Director, Athletic Director, Coach, and the High School Liason for Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas. Kevin’s current role is Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Helena-West Helena.

Vice President & Co-Founder
Harvey is a farmer by upbringing, an Agricultural Engineer by degree and Manufacturing Leader by occupation. His 29 year career in the food industry spanned multiple disciplines including Engineering, Strategic Sourcing, Continuous Improvement and General Management. He and his wife Donna had always wanted to return to the place where they grew up; so a few years ago they did. They also wanted to be connected to the farm, but maybe not farm in the traditional sense. The idea of starting a distillery checked every box in terms of building a farm based business. They chose sweet potatoes to craft a world class vodka; thus the birthing of Delta Dirt Distillery! Harvey and Donna have made a personal commitment to help others in their former community by Raising Spirits in the Delta.

Treasurer
Grace Miller-Brown is a West-Helena native and graduate of both Central High School and the University of Arkansas. She is a mom of 3 and dog mom of 2, who enjoys travel, karaoke, and planning/managing community centered events and programs. Her professional experience spans from Purchasing, Planning, and Project Management for corporations like Walmart, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Universal Studios to HR Management and Recruiting for entities like Capital One on a national level, plus locally for KIPP Delta Public Schools. She is currently working as a consultant in the area of Career Development, connecting people with professional resources and developing the skillsets to take them to the next level.

Delta native, Candace Dolls, is a dedicated and passionate professional with a diverse background in education, art, and community engagement. Currently serving as the Education Director at the Delta Cultural Center, Candace plays a pivotal role in promoting cultural awareness and education in the heart of the Delta region. With a strong foundation in art and design, Candace is an alumna of the Art Institute of Dallas, where she honed her skills and creativity in the field of fashion design and marketing. Candace's commitment to nurturing young talents extends beyond her role at the Delta Cultural Center. In her past, she served as an art mentor in the Helena-West Helena School District, inspiring and guiding the next generation of artists. Her prior experience as an art teacher at Forrest City Junior High underscores her dedication to the arts and education. Candace's love for the arts knows no bounds. She is a multi-talented individual who finds joy in singing, writing, and painting. Her creativity is not confined to her own world; she generously shares it with the community, making her an invaluable asset to any project or initiative she's involved in.

Jackie is the founder of Delta Yoga Collective and a passionate educator. Delta Yoga Collective brings multiple opportunities to participate in yoga every week throughout the Delta. With multiple types of classes there is something for everyone, whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned veteran.
Jackie is also a local educator with experience teaching in Marianna, Helena, and Barton. She currently serves as a coach for teachers in the Great Rivers Co-op.