(The Mayor and Board of Commissioners meet at the City Board Meeting on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 5:30 pm. Vetting meetings are the Thursdays prior to the regular meetings at noon. All meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend to see the City at work.)
Orlando W. Paden, Mayor
Orlando W. Paden is a lifelong public servant, educator, and advocate for the people of the Mississippi Delta. A proud native of Clarksdale, Mayor Paden has dedicated his career to advancing opportunities for youth, strengthening families, and improving community life through service, education, and leadership.
Education
Mayor Paden earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Alcorn State University in 2006, where he graduated as both a Dean’s and President’s Scholar. He also holds an Associate of Arts in Social Science Education from Coahoma Community College, where he was recognized in Who’s Who Among Community College Students.
Professional Experience
Elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives in 2016, Paden has served as the Representative for District 26, covering Coahoma and Bolivar Counties. During his tenure, he was appointed to key committees including Agriculture, Public Health and Human Services, Tourism, Transportation, Universities and Colleges, and Youth and Family Affairs. Before entering state government, Paden built a strong career in higher education and community service. He served nearly a decade at Coahoma Community College as Student Employment/JLD Coordinator and Career Services and Placement Manager, guiding students in financial aid, career readiness, and employment success. His early roles included work with the Quitman County Development Organization assisting families displaced by Hurricane Katrina, as well as tutoring and mentorship positions at Alcorn State University, the Southern Educational Foundation, and Coahoma Community College Upward Bound and Educational Programs.
Honors and Awards
Mayor Paden’s contributions have earned him numerous recognitions, including the Aaron Shirley Distinguished Indigent Care Award for Outstanding Accomplishments in Healthcare and Community Services (2021). He was also honored as a Dean’s Scholar and President’s Scholar at Alcorn State University.
Leadership and Service
A strong believer in civic engagement, Paden has held leadership roles in several organizations. He served as President of the Epsilon Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Vice President of the Southern Association of Student Employment Administrators, and President of both the Alcorn State Political Science Club and Coahoma Community College Student Government Association. He also served as President of the Coahoma County NAACP Youth Council.
Commitment to Clarksdale
As Mayor, Orlando W. Paden brings his years of legislative experience, educational leadership, and community service to guide Clarksdale into a future of growth and opportunity. With a vision rooted in service and accountability, he continues to build on his lifelong mission: empowering people, creating opportunities, and strengthening the fabric of the community he proudly calls home.
Physical Address:
121 Sunflower Avenue
Clarksdale, MS 38614
Mailing Address:
Post Office Box 940
Clarksdale, MS 38614
662.621.8164
662.621.8163 (fax)
mayor@cityofclarksdale.org
Ray T. Sykes, Commissioner Ward 1
Ray T. Sykes (Bio Coming Soon)
Contact:
662.645.1500
ward1@cityofclarksdale.org
Jimmy Harris, Commissioner Ward 2
Clarksdale City Commissioner, Jimmy Harris.
Jimmy Harris, Commissioner Ward 2, is a lifelong resident of Clarksdale, MS. He is a graduate of Clarksdale-Coahoma High School and Delta State University where he played basketball. He majored in Biology and Chemistry. After graduation he went to work for his brother Jay at the Sound Center, later purchasing the business. He is still serving the people of Clarksdale’s electronics needs. Jimmy has been married to Jean Martin Harris for 49 years. He is the father of 3 sons. Trooper John Harris (deceased), Andy Harris and Lee Harris. He has 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. Jimmy is currently a youth leader and motivational speaker.
Ward 2 Commissioner since 2023.
Contact:
662-902-6223
ward2@cityofclarksdale.org
jimmy.harris@soundcenter.net
Eddie Earl, Commissioner Ward 3
Eddie Earl (Bio Coming Soon)
Contact:
662.621.8164
ward3@cityofclarksdale.org
Linda C. Downing, Commissioner Ward 4
Linda C. Downing (Bio Coming Soon)
Contact:
662.621.8164
ward4@cityofclarksdale.org