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Obici Healthcare Foundation’s Board of Directors has selected R. Battle Betts Jr. as the foundation’s new president and chief executive officer, effective Aug. 1.

An OHF news release said Betts joins the foundation with more than 28 years of public health, finance, planning and policy experience, having served as health director of Albemarle Regional Health Services, where he led 260 staff providing health promotion and disease prevention programs for more than 162,000 residents in eight counties. As health director he worked with multiple North Carolina Healthy People task forces to establish the 2010, 2020 and 2030 health priorities for the state of North Carolina. 

Betts was recently honored with the 2022 North Carolina Health Director of the Year award by the North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors.  

“Our board of directors is pleased to welcome Mr. Betts as the foundation’s new president and CEO,” Board Chair Thomas L. Woodward III said. “Having successfully led public health initiatives, Mr. Betts has a deep knowledge of the health needs of rural populations. He is an exceptional leader who values community building and partnerships and will be instrumental in advancing the foundation’s mission.” 

Looking toward his new role, Betts said, “I am humbled by the wonderful opportunity to serve Obici Healthcare Foundation in their mission to improve lives and health outcomes. I look forward to working with the diverse and engaged board of directors and highly talented staff to form new, innovative partnerships in our communities and foster existing relationships to maximize available resources.” 

Betts holds a master of public administration degree from Old Dominion University and a bachelor of science in School and Community Health from East Carolina University. He and his wife, Amanda, have two adult children.