Farley begins new role at The Riley Foundation, continues work with MSU
Contact: OPA news
STARKVILLE, Miss.—After 33 years of combined service with Riley Development Systems and The Riley Foundation, Becky Farley retired as Executive Director of The Riley Foundation on Dec. 31, 2025.
In January 2026, Farley joined the Board of Directors of The Riley Foundation, where she serves on the Executive Committee as board secretary and will continue her role as liaison to Mississippi State University.
The Riley Foundation was established in January 1998 following the sale of Riley Memorial Hospital. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $85 million in grants in Meridian.
In 1999, The Riley Foundation acquired the Grand Opera House and the former Marks Rothenberg buildings and donated both properties to Mississippi State, along with $15 million to establish the MSU Riley Education and Performing Arts Center. This marked the beginning of the Foundation’s longstanding partnership with Mississippi State and was the beginning of Meridian’s downtown revitalization.
The Riley Foundation acquired the remaining two buildings on the block—the Deen and Rosenbaum buildings — which currently house Mississippi State’s healthcare programs. This acquisition transformed an entire block of vacant, deteriorating buildings into space dedicated to education and community development.
To date, The Riley Foundation has awarded more than $55 million to Mississippi State to support scholarships, capital improvements, and startup costs associated with MSU’s healthcare programs. These programs include the expansion of mental health programs, including the new Doctor of Psychology degree; the Physician Assistant program; the Master of Science in Nursing program; and startup costs for the upcoming Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Other significant downtown Meridian grants include start up costs of $4 million for both the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience (The MAX) and Mississippi Children’s Museum – Meridian.
The Riley Foundation has also supported the Meridian community through funding for numerous nonprofit organizations, including the Meridian Art Association, The Jimmie Rodgers Foundation, Free Clinic of Meridian, L.O.V.E.’s Kitchen, and the Meridian Symphony Orchestra, among many others.
As MSU–Meridian continues to increase its presence in downtown Meridian, there has been a significant ripple effect throughout the community. The Riley Foundation continues to play an important role in reshaping and revitalizing the downtown, with additional opportunities and initiatives to be announced in the coming months.
The Board of Directors guides the Foundation’s activities and includes: Marty Davidson, chairman and CEO; Malcolm Portera, Ph.D., vice president; Becky Farley, secretary; Tommy Dulaney, treasurer; Richard F. Riley Jr.; Christine Riley; Lindy Deen; Manny Mitchell; Wayne Henson; Will Simmons; Jay Davidson; and Gail W. Riley, director emeritus. Jan Wells is the executive assistant.
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters.