Woodward Hines Education Foundation Announces Board Leadership and Membership Updates
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
JACKSON, MISS. – The Woodward Hines Education Foundation (WHEF) and the Mississippi Higher Education Assistance Corporation (MHEAC) are pleased to announce board leadership and membership updates, including the appointment of a new board member, the continuation of current board leadership, and the conclusion of service for two board members.
Debra McGee will continue serving as chair of the WHEF Board of Directors, and Cedric Bradley will continue serving as vice chair. Their leadership will help guide the Foundation as it advances its mission to increase educational attainment and workforce success across Mississippi.
In addition, WHEF welcomes Tianna H. Raby, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Entergy Mississippi, LLC, to its Board of Directors.
Raby brings more than two decades of legal, regulatory, and leadership experience to the Foundation. As Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Entergy Mississippi, LLC, she leads the company's regulatory affairs organization and serves as a key partner to the Mississippi Public Service Commission. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles in both the private and corporate sectors, overseeing complex litigation, regulatory matters, and stakeholder engagement efforts.
"We are excited to welcome Tianna to our Board of Directors," said Jim McHale, president and CEO of Woodward Hines Education Foundation. "Her deep understanding of Mississippi's economic landscape, combined with her commitment to community service and leadership development, will bring valuable perspective to our work. As WHEF continues to advance educational attainment and workforce readiness across Mississippi, Tianna's expertise will help strengthen our efforts to create opportunities for students and families throughout the state."
Prior to her appointment as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs in 2025, Raby served as Assistant General Counsel for Entergy, overseeing regulatory legal matters for the company. She joined Entergy in 2014 and has held a variety of leadership positions within the organization's legal department. Before joining Entergy, she was a partner at a Jackson-based civil litigation defense firm, where she represented clients in product liability, professional liability, commercial disputes, and other complex matters.
A native of Meridian, Mississippi, Raby earned a bachelor's degree in human communications from Howard University and a Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University. She is licensed to practice law in Mississippi and Louisiana and remains actively engaged in community service through organizations including the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyer Program, the University of Mississippi Medical Center Advisory Council, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., The Links, Incorporated, and the Junior League of Jackson.
"I am honored to join the Board of Directors of the Woodward Hines Education Foundation," said Raby. "WHEF's commitment to helping Mississippians access education, training, and career opportunities aligns closely with my belief that education is one of the most powerful tools for individual and community advancement. I look forward to supporting the Foundation's important work across our state."
The Foundation also extends its gratitude to Robert Leard and Nathan Slater, whose terms on the Board of Directors concluded this year. Through their leadership and commitment to WHEF's mission, they helped support the Foundation's efforts to expand educational opportunity and student success for Mississippians statewide.
“We are deeply grateful to Robert and Nathan for their service and dedication to the Foundation," said McGee. "Their leadership has helped strengthen our organization and advance opportunities for Mississippi students and families. We thank them for their commitment and wish them continued success."
The Board of Directors brings together leaders from business, education, philanthropy, and community organizations who share a commitment to expanding educational attainment and workforce success across Mississippi.
For more information about WHEF, its board members, and its initiatives, visit woodwardhines.org.
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About Woodward Hines Education Foundation
Since its inception, WHEF has worked to expand college access and entry for Mississippians and supports promising practices that lead to persistence, completion, and pathways to family-sustaining work. The foundation envisions a Mississippi where all people can access education and training beyond high school to improve their quality of life, strengthen their communities, and contribute to a vibrant and prosperous future. Learn more about WHEF by visiting www.woodwardhines.org.