Two Delta Leaders Join Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta Board
Jessica Carr and Valour Taylor bring legal expertise and economic development experience to the organization
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta is proud to welcome two new members to its Corporate Board of Directors: Jessica Carr, a criminal defense attorney in Cleveland, and Valour Taylor, Program Coordinator for the Greenwood-Leflore Economic Development Foundation.
Both bring a deep commitment to the Delta and a shared belief in the power of investing in young people.
Jessica Carr
Jessica Carr: A Force for Good in Cleveland
Jessica Carr is a native of Olive Branch and a graduate of the University of Mississippi and Mississippi College School of Law. She practices law with her husband, Michael S. Carr, at Carr Law Firm, where she specializes in felony criminal defense across nine counties in northwest Mississippi.
Her career has been defined by public service. Before entering private practice, she clerked for Circuit Court Judge Lester F. Williamson, Jr., and spent a decade as a public defender in Lauderdale, Desoto, Bolivar, Sunflower, and Leflore Counties. She also works as an attorney for the Mississippi Center for Violence Prevention and assists with the firm's Southern States Police Benevolent Association defense work.
Beyond her legal practice, Carr is actively involved in the Delta community. She serves as Mississippi Bar Commissioner for the 11th Circuit, a board member of the Delta Children's Advocacy Center, Vice President of the Democratic Party of Bolivar County, and Vice President of the Cleveland Women's Club.
She said her decision to join the Board was rooted in her belief that communities thrive when they invest in children.
“I believe supporting children in our area is the foundation to a happy and safe community. If we want better for our community, then we have to want better for our children. And not just OUR children. ALL children.”
“As a criminal defense attorney, I see that the criminal justice system sometimes focuses solely on meting out punishment. However, that is only one approach and it is one employed after a crime and after there are victims. I believe in community policing. And I believe in following the second greatest commandment which directs us to 'love your neighbor as yourself.'“
“We, as citizens, have the ability to pour into our community and answer the local calls of desperation and need for support and give our children the tools to succeed and the knowledge to be successful. The children we serve today will one day be our neighbors, our coworkers, and our friends. Joining the Boys & Girls Club Board allows me to give back in these ways and I am thankful for this opportunity to serve.”
Valour “Val” Taylor
Valour Taylor: Teaching Healthy Habits Across the Delta
Valour Taylor is the Program Coordinator for the Greenwood-Leflore Economic Development Foundation, where she ensures the smooth operation of the organization's day-to-day activities and programs. She holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts from Mississippi State University and brings experience from her previous role as an administrative manager at the University of Arkansas.
Taylor is an active community leader, serving on the board of directors for Main Street Greenwood and the advisory board for Mississippi Valley State University's School of Business.
She is also the instructor for the Boys & Girls Clubs' culinary program. Taylor launched the program at the Greenwood Club in 2025, and this fall it expanded to the Itta Bena Club. She now teaches at both Clubs once a week, introducing Club members to healthy cooking habits and hands-on kitchen skills.
Her work in the kitchen led directly to her decision to join the Board.
"Some of my most rewarding work in the community has been teaching the kids at the Boys and Girls Clubs about healthy cooking habits. Joining the board gives me another way to support and build on the work I'm already doing with them.”
A Shared Vision for Delta Youth
Jessica and Valour join the Board at a pivotal moment for the organization. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta now serves nearly 1,400 youth at eight Club locations across the Delta, with a Community Impact Site in Belzoni and a Club returning to Yazoo City.
David Dallas, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta, welcomed both new members.
"Mrs. Carr has been such a force for good at our Cleveland Club and in the Cleveland community. We are so grateful that she has chosen to join our Corporate Board. Our organization continues to grow and make a difference in the lives of children and families around the Delta thanks to people like her."
"Valour's dedication to Greenwood and her firsthand experience at our Club make her an incredible addition to our Board. We are grateful for her willingness to serve."
Please join us in welcoming Jessica and Valour to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta team!
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta serves nearly 1,400 youth at eight Club locations across the Mississippi Delta. To learn more about our programs, to donate, or to get involved, visit bgcmsdelta.org.
