Columbus Regional Health is pleased to announce that Tanya Hand has accepted the role of president of Columbus Regional Health Foundation. She will start in the position on June 30, 2025.
Hand will replace current president, Julie Abedian, who announced her plan to retire as Executive Vice President and Chief Community Impact Officer and as CRH Foundation President, effective August 21, 2025. The role of Executive Vice President and Chief Community Impact Officer will not be replaced.
“I am excited to welcome Tanya to our organization and to the Columbus community,” said CRH President & CEO, Steve Baker. “I look forward to her expertise and leadership of our valued partner organization, the Columbus Regional Health Foundation.
“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!”
Julie Abedian has been integral in numerous CRH and community initiatives such as the smooth transition from
Volunteers in Medicine to VIMCare Clinic, the development of ASAP Bartholomew County and Mental Health Matters initiatives, the development of CRH’s Treatment and Support Center, and the guidance of other Healthy Communities Initiatives and the Healthy Communities Council. As Foundation President, Julie led the growth from a foundation of about $6 million when she began, to more than $20 million today, while granting an average of $2 million annually to CRH for services aimed at improving access for underserved people including VIMCare, Healthy Communities, and external health-related initiatives.
About Tanya Hand
Hand has held fundraising leadership roles for the past 17 years. Most recently, she served as Chief Development Officer for the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites. Previously, she held several roles over eight years at the United Way of Central Indiana, including as Vice President of Major and Transformational Giving. Hand has been married to her college sweetheart, Jon, for 38 years and they have five children and two grandchildren. Her free time is often spent with family. Every Sunday she and her parents, husband, and children who live nearby have dinner together. She also enjoys binge-watching TV shows, sports, and reading.
Hand and her husband have suffered child loss with the death of their son as an infant, an experience that, in part, demonstrated to Hand how life-changing philanthropy can be.
“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,” said Hand. “Philanthropy, touches hearts, lifts spirits, and makes our community better!”
Hailing from Indianapolis, the Hands intend to make Columbus their home.
“Columbus is a true gem,” Hand said. “It was the welcoming, community-minded culture of this area that drew us and ultimately ensured I have made an excellent choice with Columbus Regional Health and the Foundation.”
