It’s hard to quantify the impact that the recently retired Dr. Louis Beccaria has had on Phoenixville, but $37 million is a good place to start.

That’s how much the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation has distributed in grants – during Dr. Beccaria’s 21-year tenure as CEO of the organization – to nonprofits that improve the health and wellness of residents of the Greater Phoenixville region.

It’s no coincidence that Phoenixville’s renaissance in the 21st century has paralleled his career, which will be honored by the Schuylkill River Heritage Center at its 10th Annual Heritage Award Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 10 at The Foundry.

Under Dr. Beccaria’s leadership, the Foundation also launched several programs and initiatives to improve healthcare access for uninsured residents, build the capacity of nonprofits, and improve social determinants of health, such as affordable housing and transportation, that have a major impact on people’s health across the lifespan.

“A person’s health is essential to their success in school, work, and life,” said Dr. Beccaria, who grew up as an only child in Tioga, in a blue-collar section of Philadelphia.

He was also instrumental in conceiving and implementing a leadership program for local citizens (Community Health Leadership Academy) and for current and aspiring executive directors (Executive Leadership Institute).

“It’s been a blessing to have worked in partnership with so many exceptional people and organizations over the past two decades who have shared the belief that everyone in the Greater Phoenixville region should have the opportunity to be healthy and live well,” he said.

Dr. Beccaria graduated from LaSalle College High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in social science education from La Salle University. He also holds a M.Ed. in social science education and an M.A. and Ph.D. in urban affairs and public policy – all from the University of Delaware.

“Through his extraordinary leadership, passion, and understanding of philanthropy, Dr. Beccaria has changed the lives of so many people for the better and inspired others to do the same,” said John Colarusso, Chairperson of the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Click here to purchase tickets to the SRHC’s 10th Annual Heritage Award Celebration.

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