WHEF and MHEAC Announce Board Leadership Transitions and New Appointments
For Immediate Release: June 30, 2025
Contact: Morgan Miller, (601) 321-5527; mmiller@woodwardhines.org
JACKSON, MISS. – The Woodward Hines Education Foundation (WHEF) and the Mississippi Higher Education Assistance Corporation (MHEAC) are pleased to announce important leadership transitions and the addition of four new board members following their recent annual meeting.
After years of dedicated service, John Hill and David Martin have retired from the board. Hill served eight years as both Chair and Vice Chair, contributing thoughtful leadership and strategic insight throughout his tenure. Martin served over a decade and was instrumental in the formation of both WHEF and MHEAC, serving as a longstanding Chair and foundational leader.
“John and David leave behind a legacy of deep commitment and transformative impact,” said Nathan Slater, past Chair of the Board. “Their leadership helped shape our organizations’ missions to expand postsecondary access and success in Mississippi. We are profoundly grateful for their years of service. I am also excited to see the future of our board in such capable hands with Debra McGee and Dr. Cedric Bradley stepping into leadership roles. Their vision, integrity, and deep community ties will guide us into our next chapter.”
The board also confirmed new leadership roles:
Debra McGee, Senior Vice President and Director of Minority Business Development at BankPlus, has been elected Board Chair.
Dr. Cedric Bradley, Vice President at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, will serve as Vice Chair.
WHEF and MHEAC also welcomed four new board members who bring a wealth of knowledge and diverse experiences to the organizations’ missions.
“We are thrilled to welcome Natalie, Alesha, Jeff, and Cate to our board,” said Jim McHale, President and CEO of WHEF. “Their professional accomplishments and personal commitment to opportunity will help us drive forward our vision of a Mississippi where everyone can unlock the power of education.”
New Board Members
Dr. Natalie W. Gaughf
Dr. Gaughf is the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where she supports academic initiatives across the institution’s health professions schools. A licensed psychologist and board-certified clinical health psychologist, she holds faculty appointments in Family Medicine and Population Health. She earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Alesha Judkins
Judkins serves as the Mississippi State Director of Criminal Justice Reform at FWD.us, a bipartisan political advocacy group working to advance safe and effective policies that reduce incarceration and expand opportunities for formerly incarcerated people and their families. With over 16 years of experience, she has also worked at the Equal Justice Initiative and the Southern Poverty Law Center. She is a committed advocate, ordained minister, and active community leader who is a member of the Jackson MS Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Junior League of Jackson.
Jeff Rent
Rent is President and CEO of the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership and has an extensive background in economic development and communications. He previously served in senior roles with the Mississippi Development Authority and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. Rent began his career as a broadcast meteorologist and holds a degree from Ball State University and a certificate of broadcast meteorology from Mississippi State University.
Cate Robinson, CFP®
Robinson is Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor at Cadence Investment Services in Starkville. A Certified Financial Planner, she brings expertise in financial planning and investment strategy. Robinson is also an adjunct lecturer at Mississippi State University. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Delta State University and an MBA from Mississippi State.
For more information about WHEF, its board members, and initiatives, please visit woodwardhines.org.
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About Woodward Hines Education Foundation
Since its inception, WHEF has worked to increase college access and entry for people in Mississippi and has expanded that work to support promising practices that lead to college persistence and completion. The foundation envisions a Mississippi where all people can secure the training and education beyond high school that will allow them to advance their quality of life, strengthen their communities, and contribute to a vibrant and prosperous future for the state. Learn more about WHEF by visiting www.woodwardhines.org.
