Friends of Children’s Hospital has announced its 2026-2027 Board of Directors, bringing together leaders from across industries and communities with a shared commitment to supporting Mississippi’s only children’s hospital.
The board is led by Mary Clift Abdalla, who is serving the second year of her two-year term as chairman, with Jennifer Boydston Johnson serving as chairman-elect. New to the board this year are Richard Cross, broadcaster and sports commentator with SuperTalk Mississippi, ESPN, and SEC Network; Bobby Morgan, vice president of public affairs for Atmos Energy Corporation; and Lee Thorne, vice president and general counsel for First South Farm Credit.
Cross, who is based in Oxford, also represents an important step in Friends’ continued effort to broaden its reach across Mississippi. Expanding the organization’s statewide footprint is part of Friends’ strategic plan and reflects the reach of Children’s of Mississippi, which serves children and families from all 82 counties.
“Our board members bring valuable experience, relationships and perspective to Friends, but what makes this board truly special is their willingness to be involved in the work,” Abdalla said. “They give their time, expertise and energy throughout the year to help strengthen our organization and better support the children and families served by Children’s of Mississippi.” Friends’ Board of Directors is a working board, with members actively involved in advancing the organization’s mission through strategic leadership, fundraising, hospital programs and community engagement.
Jennifer Nicaud, Administrative Law Judge with the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission and a resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, recently completed her term on the Board of Directors. Her service helped Friends further strengthen its presence beyond central Mississippi, and the organization is grateful for the time and perspective she provided. Friends also honors the memory of board member Jia Scott, who passed away earlier this year. Her generosity, enthusiasm and commitment to Friends made a lasting impact on the organization and those who served alongside her.
The 2026-2027 Friends of Children’s Hospital Board of Directors includes Mary Clift Abdalla, Adam Adcock, MD, Michael Boerner, Jordan Bryan, Byron Burkhalter, Richard Cross, Aimee Garner, Rebekah Gregory, Mark Hosemann, Ben James, Jennifer Boydston Johnson, Janna Lampton, Sanford Moore, Samantha Moore, Bobby Morgan, Katie Nicholas, MD, Aaron Samuels, Kirk Sims, Lee Thorne, Maggie West and Katherine Woodall. Meredith Aldridge, Caitlin Foreman and Mary Taylor, MD, serve as ex-officio members.
For more than three decades, Friends of Children’s Hospital has supported Children’s of Mississippi by raising funds and awareness for programs, services and facilities that help provide exceptional care for children across the state. The Board of Directors provides strategic leadership and stewardship of that mission while helping strengthen the relationships and community support that make the work possible.
To learn more about Friends of Children’s Hospital, its Board of Directors, and its work supporting Children’s of Mississippi, visit friendsofch.org.
