MS HR81

JoHelen "Joey" Walker became the first woman and first African American elected Tax Assessor and Collector of Oktibbeha County, Mississippi in November 2023

Walker is a lifelong Starkville resident who graduated from Starkville High School and attended East Mississippi Community College and Mississippi University for Women

She brought 24 years of experience to the position, including 10 years in Lowndes County and 14 years as deputy clerk in Starkville

During her first term, Walker has modernized office operations, increased public confidence, and overseen property assessments, tax valuations, and collection operations that fund schools, infrastructure, and essential services

The Mississippi House of Representatives adopted this resolution to commend Walker's historic election and recognize her as a trailblazer for women and African Americans in county government