Scott Fraser has been named the next president and CEO of the Rhode Island Health Care Association that is based in Warwick. Fraser will replace Virginia Burke who is retiring at the end of this year.

Fraser, from North Scituate, most recently operated his own full-service public relations agency, Fraser Communications Group for nearly ten years. Prior to that he served more than 20 years in corporate public relations and legislative lobbying for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island.

“We are very pleased to be bringing Scott on board to continue RIHCA’s fine work,” Hugh Hall, Chairman of the RIHCA Board of Directors said in a statement. “His public relations skill and lobbying background are just what we need to continue advocating for our member nursing homes in the state,” Hall said.

He added, “I also want to wish Virginia Burke well in her retirement and thank her for her dedicated service. During Virginia’s eleven years as head of the Association she did an outstanding job internally with significant growth within the Association, and externally as a tireless advocate for the proper funding of the critical services provided by the Skilled Nursing Facilities in Rhode Island. In a difficult health care environment in RI Virginia was a significant force in effecting positive change for our elders in Nursing Homes,” Hall said.

Fraser is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and an adjunct professor at Salve Regina University. He is a graduate of Tufts University. Fraser serves on the board of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. He is married and has three children.

The Rhode Island Health Care Association is a state affiliate of the American Health Care Association. RIHCA represents the interests of the skilled nursing care community, including their residents, to government, business leaders, and the general public. It also serves as a force for change within the long-term care field, providing information, education, and administrative tools that enhance quality at every level.