American Heart Association Executive and Leadership Team

Sandy Hightower, the Chief Executive Officer at American Heart Association, directs the overarching mission to combat heart disease and stroke. Hightower architects the strategic vision for cardiovascular research funding and public health advocacy across the United States. By aligning organizational resources with clinical goals, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that lifesaving CPR training and educational initiatives reach diverse communities. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board of Directors to maintain fiscal health and operational excellence. Sandy Hightower drives the expansion of healthcare partnerships, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of medical innovation. Through rigorous oversight of national programs, the Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term impact of the association. Ultimately, Hightower fosters a culture of excellence that empowers healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes on a massive scale.

Preeti K., the Director, Strategic Business Relationships - Office of the Chief Executive Officer at American Heart Association, manages high-level corporate alliances that support cardiovascular research. Preeti K. cultivates partnerships with industry leaders to expand the reach of public health education and advocacy programs. By bridging the gap between corporate interests and nonprofit objectives, the Director, Strategic Business Relationships - Office of the Chief Executive Officer ensures sustainable funding for critical medical initiatives. This role requires constant collaboration with the executive team to align business development with the broader mission of fighting heart disease. Through the management of complex stakeholder networks, the Director, Strategic Business Relationships - Office of the Chief Executive Officer drives revenue growth and operational efficiency. These efforts directly support the deployment of lifesaving resources to communities nationwide, reinforcing the market position of the organization as a leader in health advocacy.

Lisa Langas, the National Senior Program Director & Chief Executive Officer, Roundtable at American Heart Association, oversees the development and execution of national cardiovascular health programs. Langas designs scalable frameworks for public health education that target stroke prevention and heart health awareness. As the National Senior Program Director & Chief Executive Officer, Roundtable, Lisa Langas coordinates with regional teams to ensure consistent delivery of CPR training and clinical resources. This leadership position requires deep integration with healthcare providers to improve medical practices and patient care standards. By analyzing program performance metrics, the National Senior Program Director & Chief Executive Officer, Roundtable optimizes resource allocation to maximize community impact. These strategic efforts strengthen the organizational footprint across North American markets. Ultimately, Langas ensures that every program aligns with the core mission of reducing the prevalence of cardiovascular disease through evidence-based interventions.

Laura Sol, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer at American Heart Association, facilitates communication and strategic alignment between the executive office and the broader organization. Sol architects the daily agenda for the Chief Executive Officer, ensuring that critical priorities receive immediate attention. As the Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer, Laura Sol manages cross-functional projects that require high-level coordination and oversight. This role involves acting as a liaison between the Board of Directors and the leadership team to ensure transparency and effective decision-making. By streamlining the flow of information, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer enhances the speed and quality of strategic execution. Sol drives the implementation of organizational initiatives that support the fight against heart disease. Through meticulous management of executive priorities, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer ensures the long-term stability of the association.

Suzie Upton, the Chief Operating Officer at American Heart Association, manages the internal infrastructure and daily operational workflows that sustain the nonprofit mission. Upton architects efficient systems for research administration and community outreach, ensuring that resources reach those in need without delay. As the Chief Operating Officer, Suzie Upton monitors organizational performance to maintain high standards of service delivery across all regional chapters. This role involves close coordination with the executive team to streamline administrative processes and enhance operational agility. By implementing data-driven strategies, the Chief Operating Officer improves the efficacy of public health campaigns and educational outreach. Upton drives the integration of new technologies to support the mission of fighting heart disease. Through meticulous oversight of internal operations, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the organization remains a stable and effective force in the global healthcare landscape.

Craig Daniel, the Chief Operating Officer, Operations & Director & Chief Operating Officer, Office of at American Heart Association, focuses on the logistical execution of large-scale health initiatives. Daniel architects supply chain solutions for the distribution of CPR training materials and medical resources to healthcare facilities. As the Chief Operating Officer, Operations & Director & Chief Operating Officer, Office of, Craig Daniel ensures that operational protocols meet the highest standards of safety and compliance. This role involves managing the complex logistics of national health programs to ensure seamless delivery of services. By optimizing operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer, Operations & Director & Chief Operating Officer, Office of reduces overhead costs and increases the impact of every dollar spent on research. Daniel drives the implementation of standardized procedures that allow the organization to scale its efforts effectively across diverse geographic regions.

Jairo Mejia, the President of the Board of Directors at American Heart Association, provides governance and strategic oversight to ensure the organization remains true to its mission. Mejia architects the long-term vision for the association, guiding the Board of Directors in making decisions that impact cardiovascular research and public health policy. As the President of the Board of Directors, Jairo Mejia monitors the performance of the executive team and ensures accountability to stakeholders. This role involves fostering consensus among board members to address the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. By setting the strategic direction, the President of the Board of Directors drives the growth and sustainability of the organization. Mejia ensures that the association maintains its reputation as a leader in the fight against heart disease. Through effective governance, the President of the Board of Directors secures the future of the association.

Deepak Bhatt, the President & The American Heart Association, York City Chapter Board of Directors at American Heart Association, leads regional efforts to improve cardiovascular health outcomes. Bhatt architects local initiatives that promote public health education and increase access to CPR training in urban environments. As the President & The American Heart Association, York City Chapter Board of Directors, Deepak Bhatt coordinates with local healthcare providers to implement evidence-based practices that reduce the incidence of stroke. This role involves engaging with community leaders to advocate for healthier policies and improved healthcare infrastructure. By focusing on regional impact, the President & The American Heart Association, York City Chapter Board of Directors drives the success of national programs at the local level. Bhatt ensures that the mission of the organization is translated into tangible results for the community. Through dedicated leadership, the President & The American Heart Association, York City Chapter Board of Directors strengthens the overall health of the population.

Jonathan Ross, the Chief Marketing Officer at American Heart Association, leads the development of brand strategies that promote cardiovascular health awareness. Ross architects multi-channel campaigns to educate the public on stroke prevention and the importance of CPR training. As the Chief Marketing Officer, Jonathan Ross oversees the digital presence and communication efforts that drive engagement with donors and healthcare professionals. This role requires constant alignment with the research and advocacy teams to ensure that messaging remains accurate and impactful. By leveraging market insights, the Chief Marketing Officer expands the reach of the organization into new demographic segments. Ross drives the creation of compelling content that highlights the critical need for heart disease research. Through strategic brand positioning, the Chief Marketing Officer secures the visibility necessary to influence public policy and improve healthcare practices across the entire country.

Kay Wilson, the Chief Human Resources Officer at American Heart Association, directs the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies that support the mission. Wilson architects programs for employee engagement and professional growth, ensuring that the workforce remains aligned with the goals of fighting heart disease. As the Chief Human Resources Officer, Kay Wilson oversees the culture and performance management systems that drive organizational success. This role involves collaborating with the executive team to build a diverse and inclusive environment that attracts top talent in the healthcare and nonprofit sectors. By fostering leadership development, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization maintains a pipeline of skilled professionals capable of addressing complex public health challenges. Wilson drives the implementation of policies that promote employee well-being and operational excellence, ultimately strengthening the capacity of the association to deliver on its core promises.