Meet the BCH Foundation Team

Established in 1978, the Boulder Community Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that inspires giving in support of BCH to enhance the quality and availability of health care in our community.

For over four decades, the generosity of our community has led to more than $70 million raised in support of BCH. During this time, over $60 million has been directly contributed to BCH and an endowment of over $50 million has been established.

This year, the BCH Foundation is excited to welcome new team members, and re-introduce you to the team who is working collectively toward a vision of partnering to create and care for the healthiest community in the nation.

Grant Besser, Vice President of Community Health & Engagement and BCH Foundation President

Grant came to BCH from Teach for America, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening equity and excellence in education. As Chief Marketing Officer, Grant was instrumental in expanding that organization’s national brand presence, developing key partnerships and supporting the organization’s teacher recruitment and fundraising efforts. Prior to Teach for America, Grant served in senior management positions at Warner Bros. and Yahoo. Grant lives in Boulder with his wife and three sons.

Grant’s favorite outdoor activity is anything that involves being on a trail – hiking, running and biking!

Ona Wigginton, Foundation Director

Ona is a Colorado native who has worked in the non-profit sector for more than 20 years. She began her non-profit career as a counselor at Gemini House, which is part of Family Tree, Inc., a non-profit human services agency providing innovative, life-changing services designed to end child abuse, domestic violence, and homelessness. She joined the BCH Foundation in September 2017 and while most of her career prior to BCH Foundation has been spent in museums (Denver Art Museum and Denver Museum of Nature & Science), she has held leadership and fundraising positions in higher education, human services, and health care agencies. Ona is the daughter of Lithuanian immigrants and grew up in Adams County. She currently lives in Mead, CO with her husband Joe and daughter Holli (a Junior at the University of Wyoming). An animal lover to the core, Ona has two dogs and two miniature horses.

Ona’s favorite outdoor activities are hiking, biking and walking in the great outdoors and spending time in her barn with her miniature horses.

Beth Marchant, Development Director

Born and raised in Hampton, VA, Beth lived in Virginia Beach, VA before moving to Boulder in April of 2013. Before joining the BCH Foundation, Beth worked at the Dairy Arts Center for 5 years as Director of Development where she helped lead their transformative Capital Campaign, created a children’s program for Title I kindergartners called Kids at the Dairy, and formed many relationships within the community. Prior to the Dairy Arts Center, Beth worked as a mentor/lifeguard at the Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula and served as a Development Coordinator at CHIP of South Hampton Roads. Beth lives in Westminster with her husband Andy, daughter Cora and cat named Gus.

Beth's favorite outdoor activity is hiking and camping in all the beautiful places Colorado has to offer.

Jenna Brethauer, Development Officer

Jenna Brethauer is originally from Northern Colorado and moved to Boulder in 2017 to attend the University of Colorado Boulder where she graduated with her BA in 2021. During college, Jenna worked in different capacities at a variety of non-profits, including Teach for America and Mediator’s Foundation. An involved member of her school community, she was also a part of the 2017 President’s Leadership Class and an intern with CU Conference Services. She joined the BCH Foundation team in September of 2021. Jenna currently lives in South Boulder with her boyfriend Nathaniel.

Jenna’s favorite outdoor activity is exploring new places by traveling.

Riley Bright, Foundation Program Officer

As a Boulder County native, Riley has deep roots in the community which BCH cares for. With a wealth of experience in health policy, healthcare systems, and grassroots nonprofits in the Denver Metro area; Riley brings both best practices and significant experience to the Foundation team as it relates to health equity, community collaboration and public health. Prior to joining the Foundation team, Riley was the Executive Director for the City of Boulder’s Food Pantry, Harvest of Hope; and before that, worked with both Denver Health and CU Anschutz Medical Campus on Bioethics, Research and Health Equity initiatives. Riley lives in Longmont with her husband and son.

Riley’s favorite outdoor activity is hiking on the many trails along the Front Range.

Sara Baker, Foundation Coordinator

Sara is a health advocate with a passion for improving the health and wellness of others through education and communication. She graduated from Clemson University in May of 2022 with a degree in Spanish Language and International Health, B.S. with an emphasis on Community Development, and a minor in Nonprofit Leadership. During college, Sara gained proficiency in Project Development, Volunteer Coordination, Integrative Public Health Review, and Human Resources through her education and experience at various nonprofits. She joined the BCH Foundation in September of 2022. Sara is from Charleston, South Carolina, and moved to Denver in August of 2022.

Sara’s favorite outdoor activity is watching the sunset, giving her the opportunity to slow down, relax, and enjoy the world around her.