Annette C. Beuchler has been named the new chief executive officer of the Obici Healthcare Foundation, the board of directors announced this week.

Beuchler comes to the foundation with considerable philanthropic experience. She currently serves as the director of programs and communications at The Rapides Foundation of Louisiana, a health care legacy foundation with assets of $250 million that serves a nine-parish area of central Louisiana.

While at The Rapides Foundation, Beuchler has been responsible for the design, development, delivery and evaluation of its grantmaking activities and the implementation of strategic plans for the foundation’s program priorities.

She also leads The Rapides Foundation’s internal and external communications; maintains strategic partnerships with local, state, regional and national groups and plans; and develops and markets major programs, projects and events.

Her work has resulted in strengthening The Rapides Foundation’s capacity to serve its population, the board stated in a press release announcing her choice to lead the Suffolk philanthropic health care organization.

Beuchler earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and a Master of Business Administration in health care administration from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette.

“Ms. Beuchler brings our foundation the leadership and grantmaking experience we were seeking to take our work to the next level of effectiveness in addressing access to care and the prevention of disease in Western Tidewater,” said J. Samuel Glasscock, chair of the Obici Healthcare Foundation.

“Building on a decade of success, I am incredibly honored to have the opportunity to work with the board, staff and community in leading the Obici Healthcare Foundation into its next decade of improving the health status of the people living in its service area,” Beuchler stated.

Angelica D. Light, retired president and chief executive officer of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, served as interim executive director of the foundation and conducted the executive search process.

The Obici Healthcare Foundation was created in 2006 with assets established through the generosity of Amedeo Obici and funds from the merger of Louise Obici Memorial Hospital and Sentara Healthcare.

The Foundation has awarded $41 million in grant funding since its inception.