Columbus Regional Health has announced the appointment of Tanya Hand as the new president of Columbus Regional Health Foundation. She will assume her new role on June 30, 2025. Hand succeeds Julie Abedian, who is retiring from her positions as Executive Vice President and Chief Community Impact Officer and as CRH Foundation President on August 21, 2025. The organization has decided not to fill the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Community Impact Officer.
Steve Baker, CRH President & CEO, expressed his enthusiasm for Hand’s appointment: “I am excited to welcome Tanya to our organization and to the Columbus community,” he said. “I look forward to her expertise and leadership of our valued partner organization, the Columbus Regional Health Foundation.”
Baker also acknowledged Abedian’s significant contributions during her tenure: “I also want to recognize the incredible contributions and leadership Julie Abedian has provided in her more than 21 years with Columbus Regional Health. We wish her the very best in her retirement!”
Abedian played a crucial role in various initiatives at CRH and within the community. Her achievements include overseeing the transition from Volunteers in Medicine to VIMCare Clinic, contributing to ASAP Bartholomew County and Mental Health Matters initiatives, developing CRH’s Treatment and Support Center, and guiding other Healthy Communities Initiatives. Under her leadership as Foundation President, the foundation grew from approximately $6 million to over $20 million while granting an average of $2 million annually for services aimed at improving access for underserved populations.
Tanya Hand brings 17 years of fundraising leadership experience to her new role. She previously served as Chief Development Officer for the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites and held several roles at United Way of Central Indiana. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Hand shared a personal story that highlights her commitment to philanthropy: “When my son passed away if I did not have the opportunity to reach back and help others going through the same or similar experiences, I don’t know what my life would look like today,” she said. “Philanthropy touches hearts, lifts spirits, and makes our community better!”
Originally from Indianapolis, Hand plans to move with her family to Columbus. Reflecting on this decision, she stated: “Columbus is a true gem,” adding that it was “the welcoming, community-minded culture” that drew them there.
