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.

Celebrating the Delta

Hear more about how we aim to celebrate the Delta! Delta Magic is proud to have been highlighted by this video produced by the Walton Family Foundation. Check it out!

Our Team

Executive Director
He is an Arkansas Delta native that returned to the area to help inspire development for the upcoming generation of leaders. Much of his professional work has been done in education, serving as a teacher, education consultant and assistant principal. Prior to returning home, Joseph and his wife started a literacy program in New York City, Lit for Life, that helps struggling readers gain more confidence and skills to succeed academically and professionally. Joseph believes that opportunities for his home region are abundant and he has been moved with the idea of endless possibility through his travels. He aims to see a more connected region in the Delta where those from the area are proud to call it home and visitors can't stay away.

Director of Outdoor Programming
Katelyn brings a wealth of experience to the team with a background in newspaper editing, music production, and video editing. She also works for Cherry Street Productions, working to highlight the magic of the Delta through feature length films and documentaries made right here in Helena!

Our Board

President & Co-Founder
Drew is the Vice-President of the Helena-West Helena School Board and Director of Enrollment Management at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas. Originally from Helena, he taught high school for 6 years in Helena and San Francisco, specializing in Spanish and College and Career Counseling. His goal is to give the youth of Phillips County experiences that help them develop an identity, as well as identify a pathway to their dreams. He hopes that every person who grows up here has the chance to prosper and the love for their home to share their prosperity with the next generation.

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.

Secretary
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 currently as the High School Liason for Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas.

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.