September 22, 2026
Mary Clift Abdalla Serving Final Year as Board Chairman of Friends of Children’s Hospital
FormanWatkins is proud to announce that partner Mary Clift Abdalla is serving the second and final year of her two-year term as Board Chairman of Friends of Children’s Hospital, the nonprofit organization supporting Children’s of Mississippi, the state’s only children’s hospital.
Abdalla will lead the organization’s 2026-2027 Board of Directors, which brings together leaders from across industries and communities with a shared commitment to supporting children’s healthcare throughout Mississippi. Jennifer Johnson will serve as chairman-elect, positioned to succeed Abdalla at the conclusion of her term.
“Serving as chairman of this board has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career,” Abdalla said. “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. 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.”
Under Abdalla’s leadership, the board has continued to operate as a working board, with members actively engaged in advancing the organization’s mission through strategic leadership, fundraising, hospital programs, and community engagement.
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.
Abdalla’s civic leadership with Friends of Children’s Hospital exemplifies the firm’s broader commitment to community involvement and service across Mississippi.
“FormanWatkins is honored to support Mary Clift’s leadership of this vital organization,” said Joshua Metcalf, Partner at FormanWatkins. “Her dedication to Friends of Children’s Hospital reflects the same commitment to service and community that defines our firm’s values, and we are proud to see her guide this board through such an important chapter.”
