PRESIDENT'S BIOGRAPHY

Rita Wray was sworn in as the 16th president of the Mississippi Federation of Republican Women (MFRW) at the 24th Biennial Convention on November 1, 2008. The historical significance was noted in that the Mississippi Federation had elected its first African American president. Wray, a past president of Rankin County Republican Women, has served for six years as MFRW’s Finance Chairperson, where she initiated the Federation’s signature fundraiser – the Torchbearer’s Club.

Wray has been active in numerous statewide Republican campaigns culminating in 2004 and 2008 serving on the steering committee for Governor Haley Barbour’s inaugural ball. She was appointed by Governor Barbour as a Deputy Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) where she currently serves administratively responsible for management of the state’s $16 billion annual budget as well as asset management for a host of state owned property.

Wray is the Founder of W. E., Inc., a national independent health care consulting firm, and is a nationally recognized consultant/lecturer/facilitator in the areas of regulatory compliance, risk management, corporate communication and professional practice issues.

She is actively involved in leadership positions in national, state and local organizations to include American Nurses Association, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. She is the recipient of varied leadership honors, including Mississippi’s Top Ten Leading Business Women. Her philanthropic project is the Mississippi Children’s Museum with the Junior League of Jackson.

Wray holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Alabama, a Certification in Nursing Administration from the American Nurses Association, a Master of Business Administration from Jackson State University and is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing.

Wray and husband Terrance are active members of St Paul’s Catholic Church and have three children – Terrance Jr., Tamika and Torrance.

Publisher's Note: Text published as provided by Mississippi FRW.
 

FEDERATION PROFILE

The Mississippi Federation is organized into four districts composed of 22 clubs. Member efforts are geared toward recruiting, training and electing Republican candidates; advocating the Party’s philosophy and initiatives, and empowering women of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds in the political process. Members are mainstays in all aspects of political forums and campaign activities throughout the state. Legislative Days are held annually in Jackson. Clubs participate in patriotic community service projects such as Caring for America, Support Our Troops and the Mamie Eisenhower Library Project. In addition, clubs participate in scholarships and internships through the Betty Rendel Scholarship and the Dorothy Kabis Memorial Internship.

Past presidents include:
Alyssa Farmer, 2006-2008
Kathy Gray Henry, 2004-2006
Jeanne Luckey, 2000-2004
Brenda Wood, 1996-00
Cindy Phillips, 1992-96
Carolyn Pugh, 1988-92
Ann Wilson, 1983-88
Ruby Life, 1981-83
Beth Lane, 1979-1981
Dene Pace, 1975-79
Marijo Denson, 1971-75
Martha McKay, 1967-69
Marjorie Tims, 1965-67
Wilma Collier, 1963-65, 1969-71
Terry Gautier (founding)

Publisher's Note: Text published as provided by Mississippi FRW.
 

LOCAL CLUBS

Bolivar County RW Calhoun County RW Clarke County RW Forrest-Lamar RW George County RW Hancock County RW Harrison County RW Hills And Delta RW Hinds County RW Jackson County RW

Jones County RW Lafayette County RW Lauderdale County RW Leake County RW Lowndes County RW Madison County RW Marion County RW Noxubee County RW Oktibbeha County RW

Rankin County RW RW of Desoto Area RW of Greater Picayune RW of Northeast Mississippi RW of Simpson County RW of Stone County RW of Wayne County Washington County RW Winston County RW