The Phil Hardin Foundation Board of Directors has elected Kacey Guy Bailey, a Meridian attorney and community leader, as its newest member. Bailey will join the seven-member board of the statewide education philanthropy at its April meeting.

    A Laurel native, Bailey is a partner in the Meridian law firm of Barry, Palmer, Thaggard, May & Bailey. She is a 2001 graduate of Princeton University and received her law degree from the University of  Mississippi in 2006.

    She is a past president of the Lauderdale County Bar Association and current president of the Meridian Junior Auxiliary. She served as vice president of the East Mississippi Business Development Foundation and as chairman of its Education Committee. In that capacity she led efforts to implement the Mississippi Scholars program in Meridian and Lauderdale County schools, which during her tenure awarded 335 scholarships to graduating seniors, funded by the Phil Hardin Foundation.

    She has also served on the boards of the Meridian Symphony Association and the Boys & Girls Club of East Mississippi. Before entering law school, Bailey served as Legislative Assistant to former U.S. Rep. Ronnie Shows of Mississippi’s 4th Congressional District.

    Bailey and her husband Bo, an attorney, have two daughters.

“Kacey Bailey’s personal character, professional background, community leadership roles and demonstrated commitment to education make her an ideal choice for the Phil Hardin Foundation board, and we are excited about her selection,” said Robert Ward, board president. “We know she will help carry on the foundation’s legacy in improving educational opportunities for Mississippians and will bring  a uniquely valuable perspective to her board role.”

    “The Phil Hardin Foundation has an exceptional reputation and legacy for educational philanthropy,” said Bailey. “By following its mission to improve the education of Mississippians, the foundation continues to be a leader in efforts to identify and fund innovative, creative education programs locally and across the state of Mississippi. I am humbled by the appointment and look forward to serving in this role.”

    The Phil Hardin Foundation, based in Meridian, was established in 1964 by the owner of Hardin’s Bakeries. It has nearly $50 million in assets and provides close to $2 million annually in education-related grants.