American Heart Association Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

American Heart Association has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, finance, operations, human resources, and medical affairs.

Driven by a mission to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke, American Heart Association dedicates its efforts to funding research, educating the public, and advocating for appropriate cardiac care to reduce mortality and disability.

Leadership Roles at American Heart Association

  • Chief Executive Officer - Sandy Hightower
  • Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer - Laura Sol
  • Chief Financial Officer - Cynthia Roberts
  • President of the AHA Board of Directors In Long Island - Evelina Grayver
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Jonathan Ross
  • Chief Marketing Officer & Executive VP - Katrina McGhee
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Kay Wilson
  • Chief Medical Officer, Prevention - Eduardo Sanchez
  • Project Director & Chief Administrative Officer & Science Chief & Medical Officer - Areli Hernandez
  • C F O - Richard Horn
  • Sandy Hightower - Chief Executive Officer

    Sandy Hightower, the Chief Executive Officer at American Heart Association, directs the organization's overarching strategy and operational execution. Hightower spearheads initiatives focused on reducing cardiovascular disease and stroke, aligning all departments toward this critical mission. This leadership role involves guiding the organization's research funding priorities, public health education campaigns, and advocacy efforts across the United States. By fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, including medical professionals, researchers, and community leaders, Hightower ensures the American Heart Association maintains its position as a leading authority in cardiovascular health. The Chief Executive Officer's strategic vision drives the organization's impact, aiming to improve consumer health and reduce disability and deaths caused by heart conditions and strokes. Sandy Hightower's leadership ensures the effective deployment of resources to achieve these vital public health goals.

    Laura Sol - Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer

    Laura Sol, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer at American Heart Association, provides critical support and strategic coordination for the CEO's office. Sol manages key projects, facilitates communication between departments, and ensures the efficient execution of the CEO's strategic priorities. This role involves streamlining operations, preparing executive briefings, and overseeing special initiatives aimed at advancing the organization's mission to combat cardiovascular disease and stroke. The Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer acts as a key liaison, ensuring alignment across leadership and operational teams. By optimizing workflow and enhancing organizational efficiency, Sol directly contributes to the American Heart Association's effectiveness in funding research, educating the public, and advocating for better cardiac care. Laura Sol's support is instrumental in driving the organization's strategic agenda forward.

    Cynthia Roberts - Chief Financial Officer

    Cynthia Roberts, the Chief Financial Officer at American Heart Association, manages the organization's financial health and strategic resource allocation. Roberts oversees all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and reporting, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency. This critical role involves safeguarding the organization's assets and optimizing the use of funds to support research, education, and advocacy initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with executive leadership to develop financial strategies that align with the American Heart Association's long-term goals of reducing cardiovascular disease and stroke. By providing robust financial oversight, Roberts ensures that donor contributions and grants are utilized effectively to maximize impact across the United States. Cynthia Roberts's financial acumen is essential for sustaining the organization's operations and expanding its reach.
    Cynthia Roberts

    Evelina Grayver - President of the AHA Board of Directors In Long Island

    Evelina Grayver, the President of the AHA Board of Directors In Long Island at American Heart Association, leads the regional board in advancing the organization's mission within Long Island. Grayver guides strategic planning and oversight for local initiatives focused on cardiovascular health education, fundraising, and community outreach. This leadership position involves fostering strong relationships with local stakeholders, including healthcare providers, community leaders, and corporate partners, to enhance the American Heart Association's presence and impact. The President of the AHA Board of Directors In Long Island ensures that regional activities align with national organizational goals for reducing heart disease and stroke. By mobilizing community support and resources, Grayver plays a key role in promoting healthier lifestyles and supporting critical research efforts. Evelina Grayver's dedication strengthens the American Heart Association's work at the local level.

    Jonathan Ross - Chief Marketing Officer

    Jonathan Ross, the Chief Marketing Officer at American Heart Association, architects and executes comprehensive marketing strategies to advance the organization's mission. Ross oversees all brand initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and digital engagement efforts designed to educate consumers on healthy living and the importance of cardiac care. This role involves analyzing market trends and consumer behavior to optimize outreach and maximize the impact of educational content. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates closely with research and advocacy teams to ensure consistent messaging across all platforms. By driving innovative marketing approaches, Ross aims to expand the reach of the American Heart Association's vital health information, fostering greater public understanding and engagement with cardiovascular health. Jonathan Ross's leadership ensures the organization's message resonates effectively, promoting healthier lifestyles nationwide.

    Katrina McGhee - Chief Marketing Officer & Executive VP

    Katrina McGhee, the Chief Marketing Officer & Executive VP at American Heart Association, drives strategic marketing initiatives and oversees key executive operations. McGhee leads the development and implementation of integrated marketing campaigns that amplify the organization's message on cardiovascular health and stroke prevention. This dual role involves managing cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive brand representation and effective communication of research findings and public health guidance. The Chief Marketing Officer & Executive VP collaborates with various departments to align marketing efforts with organizational objectives, focusing on consumer education and engagement. By championing innovative outreach strategies, McGhee aims to broaden the American Heart Association's influence and impact across diverse communities. Katrina McGhee's leadership ensures the effective execution of marketing strategies and supports the organization's mission to build healthier lives.
    Katrina McGhee

    Kay Wilson - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Kay Wilson, the Chief Human Resources Officer at American Heart Association, leads the development and implementation of human capital strategies. Wilson oversees all aspects of talent management, employee relations, compensation, benefits, and organizational development, ensuring a supportive and high-performing work environment. This role is crucial for attracting, retaining, and developing the skilled professionals who drive the American Heart Association's mission forward. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with executive leadership to foster a culture of engagement, diversity, and inclusion, aligning HR practices with the organization's strategic goals. By championing employee well-being and professional growth, Wilson ensures the workforce is equipped to address the challenges of cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention. Kay Wilson's leadership in human resources is vital for the sustained success and operational effectiveness of the organization.

    Eduardo Sanchez - Chief Medical Officer, Prevention

    Eduardo Sanchez, the Chief Medical Officer, Prevention at American Heart Association, provides expert medical guidance on public health initiatives related to cardiovascular disease and stroke. Sanchez leads the development of evidence-based strategies and clinical recommendations focused on preventing heart conditions and strokes through lifestyle modifications and early intervention. This role involves translating complex medical research into actionable public health guidance and educational materials for consumers and healthcare professionals. The Chief Medical Officer, Prevention collaborates with research, marketing, and advocacy teams to ensure scientific accuracy and clinical relevance in all organizational communications. By championing preventive health measures, Sanchez plays a pivotal role in reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease across the United States. Eduardo Sanchez's medical expertise is fundamental to the American Heart Association's mission of promoting healthier lives.
    Eduardo Sanchez

    Areli Hernandez - Project Director & Chief Administrative Officer & Science Chief & Medical Officer

    Areli Hernandez, the Project Director & Chief Administrative Officer & Science Chief & Medical Officer at American Heart Association, directs critical projects and oversees administrative, scientific, and medical functions. Hernandez manages complex initiatives that advance the organization's goals in cardiovascular health and stroke prevention, ensuring operational efficiency and scientific rigor. This multifaceted role involves coordinating administrative processes, guiding scientific research endeavors, and providing medical oversight for public health programs. The Project Director & Chief Administrative Officer & Science Chief & Medical Officer collaborates across departments to ensure seamless project execution and alignment with the American Heart Association's mission. By integrating administrative, scientific, and medical expertise, Hernandez drives progress in reducing disability and deaths caused by heart disease and stroke. Areli Hernandez's comprehensive leadership is vital for the organization's operational and scientific achievements.

    Richard Horn - C F O

    Richard Horn, the C F O at American Heart Association, oversees the organization's financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. Horn manages budgeting, financial reporting, and investment strategies to ensure the efficient allocation of resources towards research, education, and advocacy. This role is critical for maintaining the financial integrity and sustainability of the American Heart Association's mission to combat cardiovascular disease and stroke. The C F O works closely with the executive team to develop financial policies and controls that support organizational growth and impact. By providing sound financial leadership, Horn ensures that donor contributions are maximized to achieve the greatest possible public health benefit. Richard Horn's financial oversight is essential for the continued success and expansion of the American Heart Association's vital work.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding American Heart Association Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads American Heart Association?
    American Heart Association is led by Sandy Hightower (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Laura Sol (Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer) and Cynthia Roberts (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of American Heart Association’s executive team?
    The executive team of American Heart Association includes leaders such as Sandy Hightower (Chief Executive Officer), Laura Sol (Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer), Cynthia Roberts (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does American Heart Association have?
    American Heart Association has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in American Heart Association’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of American Heart Association includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President of the AHA Board of Directors In Long Island, Chief Marketing Officer.