Scott Buchanan, President and CEO of WNC Bridge Foundation, has announced his retirement after more than three decades of leadership in Western North Carolina. His last day with the Foundation will be December 31, 2025.

“I am deeply honored to have spent the past 30 years working alongside so many dedicated people to support the health and well-being of our neighbors across Western North Carolina,” said Buchanan. “The relationships built and the lives touched through this work have been the most meaningful part of my career.”

Buchanan began his service to the region in 1988 at Thoms Rehabilitation Hospital and later took on executive roles with CarePartners Health Services and CarePartners Foundation. In 2019, he helped guide the evolution of CarePartners Foundation into WNC Bridge Foundation, expanding the nonprofit’s focus to include community initiatives, grantmaking, and partnerships aimed at addressing the root causes of health disparities across 18 counties in WNC.

Under his leadership, WNC Bridge Foundation has become a key convener and funder of regional health and wellness initiatives, providing millions in grants, including disaster recovery support in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

A U.S. Army veteran and former educator, Buchanan brought a distinctive combination of strategic leadership and a strong dedication to building meaningful relationships throughout his career. He has served on numerous boards, including the Black Mountain Center Foundation, Buncombe County Schools Foundation, and Mountain Area Residential Facilities.

“Scott has been a steady and visionary leader through some of the most significant transitions in our organization’s history,” said Matt Groome, Chair of WNC Bridge Foundation’s Board of Directors. “From the transformation of CarePartners Foundation into WNC Bridge Foundation to navigating the challenges of regional disasters, Scott’s guidance, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the community have been instrumental.”

The Foundation’s Board of Directors will launch a search for Buchanan’s successor. WNC Bridge Foundation remains committed to creating lasting change and expanding opportunities for people and communities across Western North Carolina.