Bubba was born and raised in Clarksdale. He has been married to his wife, Melissa, for more than forty years. They have raised four daughters here in Clarksdale.
Mr. O’Keefe brings to his candidacy a successful career in both the public and private sectors. In 1980, he began an urban restoration initiative that expanded housing for Clarksdale residents by turning dilapidated houses into rental properties. Beginning in 1999, at great financial risk, he undertook a number of development projects that took empty or financially failing properties and turned them into the properties that are used today by Cathead, Stone Pony, Hambone, Yazoo Pass, and the Travelers’ Hotel. Bubba was co-founder of Clarksdale’s Juke Joint Festival and was an original member of the Board for CARES, Clarksdale Animal Rescue Effort and Shelter.
In 2019, Bubba assumed the position of Coahoma County Tourism Director. His initiatives have put Clarksdale on the map, where tourists come from every state of the United States and from around the world.
For twelve years, he served on the Clarksdale Planning Commission guiding Clarksdale development programs. He also serves on the Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area Board.
Bubba’s cry that “Enough is Enough!” is also a declaration that he believes in Clarksdale, believes in the people of Clarksdale, and believes that together we can turn this crisis around. Hope for Clarksdale!