American Heart Association Executive and Leadership Team

Sandy Hightower, the Chief Executive Officer at American Heart Association, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Hightower manages the allocation of research funding and oversees the expansion of public health initiatives across the United States. By aligning organizational goals with medical advancements, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that cardiovascular care remains a national priority. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board of Directors to refine long-term objectives and secure sustainable growth. Sandy Hightower drives the mission to reduce disability through innovative policy advocacy and community engagement. Through rigorous oversight of national programs, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the organization's scientific research portfolio. Ultimately, Hightower secures the future of cardiac health by fostering partnerships with medical institutions and government agencies to improve patient outcomes on a massive scale.

Laura Sol, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer at American Heart Association, facilitates the strategic alignment between executive leadership and organizational departments. Sol manages the flow of information to the Chief Executive Officer, ensuring that critical decisions regarding cardiovascular research and public health policy receive immediate attention. By coordinating high-level meetings and tracking key performance indicators, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer maintains momentum on major initiatives. This role involves bridging the gap between the executive office and the broader leadership team to ensure unity in mission execution. Laura Sol drives the prioritization of projects that directly impact the organization's ability to reduce stroke and heart disease. Through proactive management of executive workflows, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer enhances the overall efficiency of the leadership team. Ultimately, Sol supports the successful delivery of the organization's core objectives.

Cyndi Roberts, the Chief Financial Officer at American Heart Association, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial sustainability of the organization. Roberts oversees the complex budgeting processes required to fund extensive cardiovascular research and community health programs. By implementing robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that donor contributions directly support the mission of reducing stroke and heart disease. This leadership role involves rigorous reporting to the Board of Directors and maintaining transparency in all fiscal operations. Cyndi Roberts drives the optimization of resource allocation to maximize the efficiency of national health initiatives. Through careful management of assets and investments, the Chief Financial Officer protects the organization's ability to respond to emerging medical challenges. Ultimately, Roberts secures the financial foundation necessary for the organization to continue its vital work in medical research and public health education.

Suzie Upton, the Chief Operating Officer at American Heart Association, executes the daily operational strategies that power the organization's national health programs. Upton manages the internal infrastructure and cross-functional teams responsible for delivering cardiovascular care resources to communities. By streamlining organizational processes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that research findings translate into actionable health guidelines for the public. This role involves coordinating with regional leaders to maintain consistent service delivery across the United States. Suzie Upton drives the implementation of scalable systems that support the organization's mission to reduce disability and death. Through meticulous oversight of operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards of performance across all departments. Ultimately, Upton optimizes the internal machinery of the organization, allowing for the seamless execution of complex medical research and public education initiatives that save lives every day.

Kate Fitzpatrick, the President of the Board of Directors at American Heart Association, governs the strategic direction and fiduciary responsibilities of the organization. Fitzpatrick leads the Board of Directors in setting the long-term vision for cardiovascular research funding and public health policy. By facilitating high-level discussions among board members, the President of the Board of Directors ensures that the organization remains focused on its core mission of reducing disability and death. This role involves providing oversight to the executive team and ensuring accountability in all organizational activities. Kate Fitzpatrick drives the consensus-building process required to approve major research grants and national health initiatives. Through the management of board governance, the President of the Board of Directors maintains the integrity and public trust of the organization. Ultimately, Fitzpatrick guides the organization through complex medical and regulatory landscapes, ensuring that the mission to combat heart disease remains the primary focus.

Creighton Wright, the Board Member, President and Now President at American Heart Association, provides critical leadership and oversight for the organization's strategic initiatives. Wright manages the transition of governance responsibilities to ensure continuity in the pursuit of cardiovascular health improvements. By leveraging extensive experience in medical and organizational leadership, the Board Member, President and Now President contributes to the development of policies that fund life-saving research. This role involves active participation in board committees that evaluate the effectiveness of public health programs. Creighton Wright drives the strategic planning process that shapes the organization's response to emerging cardiovascular threats. Through the oversight of board-level decisions, the Board Member, President and Now President ensures that resources are directed toward the most impactful medical interventions. Ultimately, Wright strengthens the governance framework, allowing the organization to maintain its commitment to reducing the burden of heart disease and stroke across the nation.

Jonathan Ross, the Chief Marketing Officer at American Heart Association, architects the national communication strategy to increase public awareness regarding cardiovascular health. Ross manages brand positioning and digital outreach campaigns designed to educate consumers on healthy living practices. By leveraging data-driven insights, the Chief Marketing Officer optimizes engagement across diverse demographics to maximize the impact of health education programs. This role requires close coordination with research teams to translate complex medical findings into accessible public messaging. Jonathan Ross drives the development of multi-channel marketing initiatives that support fundraising efforts and volunteer recruitment. Through strategic brand management, the Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the organization's presence in the competitive nonprofit landscape. Ultimately, Ross ensures that life-saving information reaches millions, effectively reducing the prevalence of heart disease through targeted, high-impact communication strategies that resonate with the public.

Katrina McGhee, the Chief Marketing Officer & Executive VP at American Heart Association, directs the strategic expansion of the organization's public health advocacy and awareness programs. McGhee manages the development of national partnerships that amplify the reach of cardiovascular education initiatives. By focusing on innovative digital engagement, the Chief Marketing Officer & Executive VP ensures that health information reaches vulnerable populations effectively. This role involves leading large-scale campaigns that drive public participation in heart-healthy activities. Katrina McGhee drives the integration of marketing strategies with executive-level policy goals to maximize the organization's influence. Through the oversight of high-level brand initiatives, the Chief Marketing Officer & Executive VP strengthens the organization's reputation as a leader in medical research and patient advocacy. Ultimately, McGhee secures the long-term visibility of the mission, ensuring that the public remains informed and engaged in the fight against cardiovascular disease.

Kay Wilson, the Chief Human Resources Officer at American Heart Association, manages the talent acquisition and organizational culture necessary to support a mission-driven workforce. Wilson oversees the development of professional training programs that equip staff with the skills to advance cardiovascular research and public health education. By fostering an inclusive and high-performance environment, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization attracts top-tier talent dedicated to reducing heart disease. This role involves aligning human capital strategies with the broader operational goals of the organization. Kay Wilson drives the implementation of employee engagement initiatives that maintain morale and productivity across all regional offices. Through the management of compensation, benefits, and leadership development, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the long-term retention of experts in the medical and nonprofit sectors. Ultimately, Wilson builds the human foundation that allows the organization to achieve its ambitious health objectives.

Areli Hernandez, the Project Director & Chief Administrative Officer & Science Chief & Medical Officer at American Heart Association, oversees the scientific integrity and administrative execution of medical research projects. Hernandez manages the clinical data and scientific protocols that inform the organization's health guidelines. By bridging the gap between medical research and administrative operations, the Project Director & Chief Administrative Officer & Science Chief & Medical Officer ensures that scientific findings are translated into practical care standards. This role involves coordinating with medical experts to validate research outcomes and manage the administrative requirements of large-scale health studies. Areli Hernandez drives the implementation of evidence-based practices that reduce cardiovascular disease and stroke. Through the oversight of scientific and administrative workflows, the Project Director & Chief Administrative Officer & Science Chief & Medical Officer maintains the highest standards of medical excellence. Ultimately, Hernandez ensures that the organization's scientific output directly improves patient care and public health outcomes.