Delta Council appoints Clarke as CEO

Delta Council recently announced the appointment of Carlisle Clarke as the organization’s new chief executive officer (CEO), becoming only the fourth CEO in Delta Council’s distinguished history.

Clarke brings a wealth of experience to this critical leadership role. He joins Delta Council after serving as vice president at Van Scoyoc Associates, a multi-client lobbying firm in Washington, D.C. He joined the firm in 2019 following a twelve-year career on Capitol Hill.

“Carlisle Clarke is an outstanding selection to be the next leader of Delta Council,” said U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. “Raised in Hollandale, Carlisle knows the Delta’s people, the challenges, and the opportunities. The relationships he has built during nearly two decades of impressive work experience in Washington will be crucial to helping the Delta and Mississippi thrive. I am excited about working with Carlisle in this new role and helping him and the Delta succeed going forward.”

Clarke was formerly the Majority Clerk of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Related Agencies, a position with jurisdiction over more than $140 billion in annual spending. In this role, Clarke managed all funding and administrative oversight of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including disaster supplemental appropriations.

“Congratulations to Carlisle Clarke, who will do an excellent job leading the Delta Council,” said U.S. Senator Roger Wicker. “I look forward to working with Carlisle and the rest of the Council to advance the interests of the great Mississippi Delta.”

The organization says Clarke’s experience is “marked by a deep understanding of agriculture, conservation, flood control and rural development,” and that “he brings keen insight into agency operations and how the appropriations process can affect or support existing policy.”

Clarke also played a pivotal role on the Presidential Transition Team in 2016, helping to craft policy priorities for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the incoming Administration.

Earlier in his career, Clarke worked in the personal office of U.S. Senator Thad Cochran. Additionally, Clarke is one of the few experts that served on both the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee and the Agriculture Committee. Clarke began his staff career on the Senate Agriculture Committee in 2007, working for U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss on the 2008 Farm Bill.

Former Delta Council President and Chairman of the Search Committee Woods Eastland remarked, “Carlisle’s energy and strong work ethic are among the qualities most often associated with him. Combined with his experience and proven ability to get things done, those qualities make him exactly the kind of leader we need. He distinguished himself while serving as an aide to U.S. senators and has continued to advance by successfully representing his clients.”

“Just as importantly,” Eastland continued, “he understands the Delta and its people. Delta Council and the entire region will benefit greatly from his leadership and dedication.”

“For decades, the Delta Council has been a strong voice for agriculture and economic development, advocating for issues that are vital to the success of our nation,” said U.S. Senator Jerry Moran. “Carlisle Clarke has a deep understanding of the issues facing American agriculture, and he is dedicated to advocating for farmers and ranchers. I saw his expertise and commitment firsthand while he served as clerk during my time as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture.”

“I congratulate him on his new role with Delta Council, and I wish him the best as he continues advocating for American agriculture,” Moran added.

“I believe Delta Council has made an outstanding decision in selecting Carlisle Clarke to lead the organization,” commented State Senator Josh Harkins, Chairman, Finance Committee. “I have no doubt that Carlisle will bring the knowledge, experience, and passion that Delta Council and its members deserve. His leadership will be a tremendous asset to the organization and to the entire Mississippi Delta.”

“I am especially proud to see a native Mississippian return home to lead an organization that plays such an important role in our state,” continued Harkins. “I congratulate Carlisle and look forward to seeing all that he will accomplish in this new position.”

Clarke is a native of Hollandale and a graduate of Deer Creek School and the University of Georgia.

Delta Council is an area economic development organization representing the nineteen Delta and part-Delta counties of Northwest Mississippi.

Started in 1935 by a group of far-sighted citizens, Delta Council provides a medium through which the agricultural, business and professional leadership of the area can work together. Delta Council now pioneers the effort to solve common problems and promote the development of the economy in the Mississippi Delta.