Joseph (Jody) Harris was elected to the Clay Council in 2025 for his first term in elected office but not his first excursion into community service.  Jody has been a long-serving volunteer/Trustee with the Center Point Fire District. He has also served on the Board of the Birmingham Chapter of the American Red Cross as well as the Board of Positive Maturity.

As a resident of Clay for over four decades, Jody, along with his wife Donna, was involved in the Clay Rec League for baseball and basketball.  He also organized the first Academic Booster Club at the opening of CCHS.  He retired after a 34 year career with the Social Security Administration.

Councilor Carla Youngblood is a dedicated public servant and Certified Public Accountant with over 30 years of professional experience. A resident of Clay for the past four years who serves as the President of Highland Meadows HOA, she is passionate about fostering unity across the city and ensuring strong financial transparency in local government.

Carla holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Birmingham-Southern College and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Outside of her professional and civic work, she enjoys performing stand-up comedy and playing cards.

Dr. Orletta Jackson-Rush serves as the Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning for the Jefferson County School District, bringing 29 years of experience in public education across all levels. Her distinguished career reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence, student achievement, and innovative instructional practices that support both educators and learners.

Prior to her current role, Dr. Rush served as Executive Director of Special Initiatives from November 2016 to July 2019. She also led as Principal of Brighton School from 2014 to 2016 and Lipscomb Elementary School from 2012 to 2014. Over the course of her career, she has held a variety of impactful roles including teacher, reading interventionist, assistant principal, principal, and central office administrator, giving her a well-rounded perspective on education and leadership.

Dr. Rush earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Auburn University, a Master of Science and an Educational Specialist degree in Elementary Education from Troy University, and a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Samford University. Her academic and professional journey reflects her unwavering dedication to lifelong learning and educational advancement.

In addition to her work in education, Dr. Rush is an active civic leader, currently serving in her second term as a City Councilwoman for the City of Clay. She is passionate about community engagement and committed to making a positive impact both inside and outside of the school system.

Dr. Rush is married to her husband, Kenneth, and together they have one son, along with their beloved fur baby, Jaxn Aubie. In her personal time, she enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family.

Dr. Rush lives by the words of Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon.” She firmly believes that education equips individuals with the tools and skills necessary to overcome obstacles and achieve success, empowering them to move mountains even when others may doubt their potential.

I have been a proud resident of Clay for 33 years. I graduated from Pinson Valley High School and went on to receive a golf scholarship to play at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where I served as team captain my senior year and earned my bachelor's degree. I have spent 31 years in the publishing business and am currently employed by Jostens Publishing, the leading yearbook publisher in the country.

I have been married to Jaycylyn for 37 years. She currently teaches at Bryant Park Elementary School and formerly taught at Clay Chalkville High School. We have two children, Jaycy, 27, who lives in Greenville and is a stay-at-home mom, and Jake, 26, who works at our Piggly Wiggly grocery store. We also have one grandchild, Deacon, who is 2 years old. Our family attends Northpark Baptist Church, where I serve as a deacon.

I am currently serving my second term on the City Council and sit on the board of the Clay Pinson Chamber of Commerce. I believe Clay has three primary areas of responsibility that deserve our close attention: our schools, where I serve as the school grant coordinator; Cosby Lake and its surrounding trail system; and the Department of Youth Services property. I love our small bedroom community and look forward to many years of continued growth.