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. This leadership role involves managing complex cardiovascular research initiatives and public health advocacy programs across the United States. By aligning organizational resources with clinical goals, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that lifesaving resources reach diverse communities effectively. Sandy Hightower maintains constant communication with the Board of Directors to refine long-term objectives and improve healthcare outcomes. Through rigorous oversight of national health campaigns, the Chief Executive Officer drives significant improvements in cardiovascular care standards. This position requires balancing fiscal responsibility with the urgent mission of fighting heart disease and stroke. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the necessary partnerships to expand the reach of public health education and medical research initiatives on a national scale.

Lisa Langas, the National Senior Program Director & Chief Executive Officer, Roundtable at American Heart Association, manages high-level collaborative forums that unite industry leaders. This role focuses on building consensus among healthcare stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of evidence-based cardiovascular practices. Lisa Langas coordinates the Roundtable initiatives to ensure that research findings translate into actionable public health policies. By facilitating dialogue between medical professionals and policy makers, the National Senior Program Director & Chief Executive Officer, Roundtable strengthens the organizational impact on stroke prevention. This position requires deep expertise in program management and cross-sector engagement to drive systemic change. Through the development of strategic partnerships, the National Senior Program Director & Chief Executive Officer, Roundtable expands the influence of the organization within the broader medical community. This leadership function remains vital for maintaining the momentum of national health initiatives.

Preeti K., the Director, Strategic Business Relationships - Office of the Chief Executive Officer at American Heart Association, cultivates essential corporate partnerships that support cardiovascular research and public health education. This role involves identifying and securing long-term alliances with healthcare providers and private sector entities to bolster the mission of the organization. Preeti K. manages the integration of these business relationships into the broader strategic framework established by the Office of the Chief Executive Officer. By aligning corporate interests with public health goals, the Director, Strategic Business Relationships - Office of the Chief Executive Officer ensures sustainable funding for critical medical initiatives. This position requires sophisticated negotiation skills and a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape. Through the expansion of these strategic networks, the Director, Strategic Business Relationships - Office of the Chief Executive Officer directly contributes to the operational capacity of the organization to fight heart disease.

Laura Sol, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer at American Heart Association, facilitates the execution of strategic priorities by managing the daily operations of the executive office. This role involves coordinating communication between the Chief Executive Officer and the senior leadership team to ensure alignment on organizational goals. Laura Sol monitors the progress of key initiatives and provides critical support for decision-making processes regarding cardiovascular research and public health policy. By managing the flow of information and prioritizing executive tasks, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer enhances the overall productivity of the leadership team. This position requires exceptional organizational skills and the ability to navigate complex institutional challenges. Through the effective management of the executive office, Laura Sol ensures that the strategic vision of the organization is implemented consistently across all regional operations.

Suzie Upton, the Chief Operating Officer at American Heart Association, manages the internal infrastructure and administrative processes that support the mission of the organization. This role focuses on optimizing operational efficiency across all departments to ensure that resources are allocated effectively toward cardiovascular research and public health programs. Suzie Upton oversees the implementation of organizational policies and monitors performance metrics to maintain high standards of service delivery. By streamlining internal workflows, the Chief Operating Officer enables the staff to focus on critical health advocacy and education initiatives. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of organizational dynamics and a commitment to operational excellence. Through the management of daily business activities, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the organization remains agile and responsive to the evolving needs of the healthcare sector. This role provides the foundation for all external health initiatives.

Craig Daniel, the Chief Operating Officer, Operations & Director & Chief Operating Officer, Office of at American Heart Association, directs the logistical frameworks and operational systems that support the organization's field activities. This role focuses on the tactical execution of regional health programs and the management of operational assets across the country. Craig Daniel ensures that the infrastructure for CPR training and community health education remains robust and scalable. By overseeing the operational logistics, the Chief Operating Officer, Operations & Director & Chief Operating Officer, Office of enables the seamless delivery of resources to healthcare professionals and the public. This position requires a focus on process improvement and the integration of new technologies into existing operational workflows. Through the management of these critical functions, Craig Daniel supports the broader mission of the organization to improve healthcare practices and reduce the incidence of heart disease.

Evelina Grayver, the President of the AHA Board of Directors In Long Island at American Heart Association, provides regional leadership and governance oversight for the organization's activities in the Long Island area. This role involves guiding the local board in the implementation of national health strategies and the promotion of cardiovascular awareness within the community. Evelina Grayver facilitates collaboration between local healthcare providers and the organization to improve regional health outcomes. By overseeing the governance of the local board, the President of the AHA Board of Directors In Long Island ensures that all initiatives align with the core mission of fighting heart disease and stroke. This position requires a deep commitment to public health and the ability to mobilize local resources for national goals. Through the leadership of the regional board, Evelina Grayver strengthens the impact of the organization at the community level.

Jairo Mejia, the President of the Board of Directors at American Heart Association, provides the highest level of governance and strategic oversight for the organization. This role involves leading the Board of Directors in setting the long-term mission, approving major research funding initiatives, and ensuring the financial health of the organization. Jairo Mejia facilitates high-level discussions among board members to address emerging challenges in cardiovascular health and public policy. By maintaining accountability and transparency, the President of the Board of Directors ensures that the organization remains dedicated to its core purpose of fighting heart disease and stroke. This position requires a focus on ethical leadership and the ability to guide the organization through complex healthcare landscapes. Through the leadership of the board, Jairo Mejia secures the future of the organization and its ongoing commitment to improving healthcare practices for the public.

Jonathan Ross, the Chief Marketing Officer at American Heart Association, architects the brand strategy and public awareness campaigns that drive engagement with cardiovascular health resources. This role involves overseeing national communication efforts to promote CPR training and healthy lifestyle choices to diverse populations. Jonathan Ross manages the digital and traditional media channels to ensure that the mission of the organization reaches maximum visibility. By analyzing market data and public sentiment, the Chief Marketing Officer optimizes outreach strategies to increase participation in health education programs. This leadership position requires close collaboration with the research and advocacy teams to ensure messaging accuracy and impact. Through the execution of targeted marketing initiatives, the Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the public perception of the organization as a leader in heart health. This role remains essential for mobilizing community support and securing public commitment to cardiovascular wellness.

Nicholas Farsi, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at American Heart Association, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure that support the organization's research and public health missions. This role involves managing data security, information systems, and digital platforms that facilitate the dissemination of health education resources. Nicholas Farsi ensures that the technological capabilities of the organization remain at the forefront of the healthcare industry. By implementing scalable cloud solutions and data analytics tools, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer enables the research teams to process complex cardiovascular data efficiently. This position requires a focus on cybersecurity and the integration of digital health tools into community programs. Through the management of these technological assets, Nicholas Farsi supports the organization's ability to provide lifesaving resources to the public and healthcare professionals across the nation.