Jackson Jambalaya

 Jackson Urban Praetor John Horhn issued the following statement. 

Mayor John Horhn today announced his appointments to the newly established Metro Jackson Water Authority, following the signing of House Bill 1677 into law and in accordance with the appointment provisions outlined in the legislation. The new authority will provide oversight of Jackson’s water and wastewater systems and includes members appointed by the Mayor of Jackson, the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House, and other local leaders.

Mayor Horhn will recommend Major General (Retired) and CEO of MINACT Inc. Augustus Leon Collins for the gubernatorial appointment made in consultation with the Mayor, and, subject to City Council confirmation, will appoint Extension Specialist and Business Counselor for the Mississippi Small Business Development Center Shirley R. Tucker, Managing Partner of The Clearwater Group Austin Barbour, and President and CEO of Adonai Environmental Development and Power Daniel L. Walker. The legislation requires initial appointments to be made by May 1, 2026.

“Today’s appointments are an important step in ensuring Jackson is represented by committed leaders who understand the responsibility before us and are prepared to work for the long-term success of our water system,” said Mayor John Horhn.

General Collins brings executive leadership, public service experience, and a strong record of service that would be valuable to the work of the authority as it begins its responsibilities. As the leader of MINACT, one of the largest Black-owned corporations in Mississippi, he has demonstrated the kind of steady management and commitment this role requires. He also served as Adjutant General of both the Mississippi Army National Guard and the Mississippi Air National Guard, and he is a longtime member of New Hope Baptist Church, where he serves on the Deacon Board.

Shirley R. Tucker is a longtime Jackson, Mississippi resident. She previously spent more than two decades with the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership assisting businesses statewide and is co-owner of BATES Communication, LLC. She also served as Interim Chief of Staff for the Mississippi Minority Business Alliance, Inc. and the Women Business Center of MS, where she led programs to expand business opportunities. Mrs. Tucker holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Jackson State University and is a graduate of The Chamber Institute at the University of San Diego. She chairs The Redeemer School and the Jackson Leadership Foundation, serves on several local boards, and attends Redeemer Church with her husband, Ellis; they have three adult children.

Austin Barbour has been a resident of Jackson for more than twenty years. He and his wife, Deidre, have raised their two children (Bo and Ebbie) in the city while also being focused on giving back to the community through volunteer and leadership roles with their church, neighborhood, school and local athletic organizations. Austin serves as the Managing Partner of The Clearwater Group, one of the state’s leading public affairs firms, and is a partner with Strategic Partners & Media based in Annapolis, Maryland. Austin has built his career around working with others to build consensus on complex issues involving the government and the private sector.

Daniel L. Walker is an environmental and water treatment professional and graduate of Alcorn State University and Jackson State University, who began his career in upstate New York and received advanced training certifications through programs affiliated with Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has served as a water treatment engineer for major industrial operations, including Grand Gulf Nuclear Station and Nissan, and has provided consulting on water treatment initiatives, including projects supporting NASA. Mr. Walker brings over 20 years of experience in emergency response, logistics coordination, and infrastructure planning.

Mayor Horhn and the City of Jackson remain committed to ensuring that Jackson has a majority vote on the water governing authority and will continue to keep all options open as the city considers the next steps, including any matters that may be subject to the authority of U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate.