Tepeyac Family Center and the Diocese of Arlington jointly announced today that Bob Laird, current director of the diocesan Office for Family Life, has been named executive director of Tepeyac Family Center.

Laird comes to Tepeyac at the request of Tepeyac founder Dr. John Bruchalski to oversee the day-to-day operations of the non-profit OB-GYN and assist in fundraising efforts. The center is the only full-time Catholic health care facility within the boundaries of the Arlington Diocese.

Laird will occupy the position for one year, at which time he will return to his position with the diocese; Thérèse Bermphol, currently assistant director for Family Life, will oversee the office in Laird’s absence.

"While we will truly miss Bob Laird in this coming year, we are confident that his expertise and servant’s heart will benefit the Tepeyac Family Center in many ways," said Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde. "We will keep Bob and the Tepeyac Family Center in our prayers."

"I’m honored to be asked by Dr. Bruchalski to take on this challenge and blessed to have Bishop Loverde’s confidence and willingness to loan me to Tepeyac Family Center," said Laird. "The work of Tepeyac Family Center to help women of all economic, racial, cultural and religious backgrounds is the work of the Church. I am looking forward to this challenge and opportunity."

Tepeyac founder and practitioner Dr. Bruchalski, who returns to the practice this month after a four-month medical leave of absence, said, "With a deep sense of gratitude I thank Bishop Loverde for allowing Bob Laird to come to the Tepeyac Family Center. Bob’s addition to the center will strengthen its foundation, which rests on the commitment to serve all women, while refining the vision and expanding the outreach to the community of Northern Virginia. We are looking forward to Bob leading our staff."

Tepeyac Family Center, founded in 1994, is a sole operating division of Divine Mercy Care, whose mission is to spread the light of Christ by performing spiritual and corporal works of mercy in the delivery of care in order to help build a civilization of love and life.

The annual Tepeyac Benefit Gala will take place Dec. 3. More information on the gala and the Tepeyac Family Center is available at www.tepeyacfamilycenter.com.