Loreena Bloomfield will start work with the Bendigo-based foundation on January 13.

The Otis Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation providing retreats to nurture people facing the challenges of living with breast cancer.

With a background in business growth, Ms Bloomfield says she is committed to developing the support and services the Otis Foundation retreats provide.

"I truly understand the value of the gift of a retreat away from the ‘day-to-day’ grind of treatments having been diagnosed with breast cancer at age 41 with two small children aged 5 and a newborn baby," she said.

"Throughout my journey I realised that getting away during this difficult time was important not only for myself to rest and gain strength, but also for my husband and children as it provided the opportunity for us to be a ‘normal family’ doing every-day fun things.

"It was these short breaks that really helped us get through this time so I’m looking forward to helping Otis offer this fabulous gift to more families and helping to spread the Otis message."

Ms Bloomfield said she was excited by the prospect of working with the Bendigo community to expand the Foundation's scope.

"The Otis Foundation’s heart and head office always will be in Bendigo - it is the home of an exceptional organisation that we hope to expand in 2014."