American Heart Association Executive and Leadership Team

Sandy Hightower, the Chief Executive Officer at American Heart Association, directs the organization's overarching strategy and operational execution. Hightower ensures alignment with the core mission of funding cardiovascular research and promoting healthy living across the United States. This leadership position involves guiding the executive team to effectively combat cardiovascular disease and stroke through education and appropriate cardiac care initiatives. Hightower's focus remains on maximizing the impact of the organization's efforts in reducing disability and deaths nationwide. The Chief Executive Officer's role is critical in setting the strategic direction for all departments, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently to achieve the American Heart Association's ambitious goals. Sandy Hightower drives the organization's commitment to advancing science and public health.

Amit Kumar, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at American Heart Association, presides over the organization's strategic vision and governance. Kumar's leadership ensures the American Heart Association effectively funds critical cardiovascular medical research and champions consumer education on healthy lifestyles. This dual role involves overseeing the strategic direction and ensuring robust governance structures are in place to support the mission of reducing disability and deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering key relationships with stakeholders and partners, driving innovation in cardiac care approaches. Amit Kumar's tenure focuses on strengthening the organization's impact and reach across the United States, promoting appropriate cardiac care and advancing scientific understanding.

Cynthia Roberts, the Chief Financial Officer at American Heart Association, manages the organization's financial health and resource allocation. Roberts oversees all fiscal operations, ensuring robust financial planning and reporting to support the mission of funding cardiovascular research and promoting healthy living. This critical role involves managing budgets, investments, and financial compliance to maximize the impact of donations and grants. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight ensures the American Heart Association can effectively continue its work in reducing disability and deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke. Cynthia Roberts's expertise is vital in maintaining financial stability and enabling strategic growth initiatives across all departments, supporting the organization's commitment to advancing cardiac care and public health education.

Suzie Upton, the Chief Operating Officer at American Heart Association, directs the day-to-day operational activities and ensures efficient execution of organizational strategies. Upton oversees the implementation of programs aimed at funding cardiovascular research, educating consumers on healthy living, and fostering appropriate cardiac care. This leadership function is essential for translating strategic goals into tangible outcomes, focusing on operational excellence across all departments. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include optimizing resource utilization and streamlining processes to enhance the American Heart Association's effectiveness in reducing disability and deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke. Suzie Upton drives operational efficiency to support the organization's mission nationwide.

George Kichura, the President at American Heart Association, leads strategic initiatives and fosters key relationships to advance the organization's mission. Kichura's presidency focuses on enhancing the impact of cardiovascular medical research funding and promoting consumer education on healthy living. This leadership role involves guiding the organization's efforts to ensure appropriate cardiac care is accessible and understood nationwide. The President's responsibilities are crucial in driving progress towards reducing disability and deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke. George Kichura's vision supports the American Heart Association's commitment to improving cardiovascular health and well-being for all individuals.

Judith Kleinberg, the President & Palo Alto & Stanford, Go RED Luncheon, Silicon Valley Co-Chair at American Heart Association, drives regional engagement and fundraising efforts. Kleinberg leads initiatives specifically within the Silicon Valley area, focusing on the Go RED Luncheon and other key events to support cardiovascular health awareness. This role is vital for mobilizing community support for funding cardiovascular research and promoting healthy living education. The President & Palo Alto & Stanford, Go RED Luncheon, Silicon Valley Co-Chair's efforts are instrumental in advancing appropriate cardiac care and fostering a culture of well-being. Judith Kleinberg's leadership contributes significantly to the American Heart Association's mission of reducing disability and deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke in the region.

Jonathan Ross, the Chief Marketing Officer at American Heart Association, leads the strategic development and execution of all marketing and communications initiatives. Ross is responsible for enhancing public awareness of cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention, promoting healthy living education, and driving engagement with the organization's mission. This role involves crafting compelling narratives and campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences across the United States. The Chief Marketing Officer's efforts are crucial in mobilizing support for cardiovascular research funding and fostering appropriate cardiac care practices. Jonathan Ross ensures the American Heart Association's message effectively reaches communities, contributing to the reduction of disability and deaths nationwide.

Katrina McGhee, the Chief Marketing Officer & Executive VP at American Heart Association, spearheads comprehensive marketing strategies and oversees key executive vice president functions. McGhee drives initiatives to elevate the organization's profile, focusing on consumer education for healthy living and advocating for appropriate cardiac care. This senior leadership position involves integrating marketing efforts with broader organizational objectives to amplify the impact of cardiovascular research funding. The Chief Marketing Officer & Executive VP's role is pivotal in shaping public perception and engagement, directly contributing to the reduction of disability and deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke. Katrina McGhee ensures cohesive brand messaging and strategic market penetration.

Larry Cannon, the Chief Administrative Officer & Corporate Secretary at American Heart Association, oversees essential administrative functions and corporate governance. Cannon ensures the smooth operation of internal processes and compliance with all corporate requirements, supporting the organization's mission to fund cardiovascular research and promote healthy living. This role is critical for maintaining organizational integrity and efficiency, facilitating the effective delivery of programs focused on appropriate cardiac care. The Chief Administrative Officer & Corporate Secretary's responsibilities are key to enabling the American Heart Association's work in reducing disability and deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke. Larry Cannon provides foundational support for all strategic and operational endeavors.

Mariell Jessup, the Chief Science & Medical Officer at American Heart Association, provides critical scientific and medical leadership, guiding the organization's research funding and health policy initiatives. Jessup ensures that the American Heart Association remains at the forefront of cardiovascular science, translating complex research into actionable public health guidance. This role is fundamental to advancing appropriate cardiac care and promoting evidence-based healthy living practices. The Chief Science & Medical Officer's expertise is essential for directing investments in cutting-edge research aimed at reducing disability and deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke. Mariell Jessup's leadership ensures scientific integrity and medical accuracy across all organizational programs.