American Heart Association Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

The American Heart Association has 10 executives leading key functions including organizational strategy, business relationships, program management, operations, marketing, information technology, executive support, regional governance, and medical science.

Committed to eradicating cardiovascular disease and stroke, American Heart Association advances public health through rigorous research funding, policy advocacy, and the widespread dissemination of lifesaving CPR training across global communities.

Leadership Roles at American Heart Association

  • Chief Executive Officer - Sandy Hightower
  • Director, Strategic Business Relationships - Office of the Chief Executive Officer - Preeti K.
  • National Senior Program Director & Chief Executive Officer, Roundtable - Lisa Langas
  • Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer - Laura Sol
  • Chief Operating Officer - Suzie Upton
  • Chief Operating Officer, Operations & Director & Chief Operating Officer, Office of - Craig Daniel
  • President of the AHA Board of Directors In Long Island - Evelina Grayver
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Jonathan Ross
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Nicholas Farsi
  • Chief Science & Medical Officer - Mariell Jessup
  • Sandy Hightower - Chief Executive Officer

    Sandy Hightower, the Chief Executive Officer at American Heart Association, directs the overarching mission to combat heart disease and stroke through strategic resource allocation. Hightower oversees the integration of research funding with public health education initiatives to maximize impact across diverse populations. By aligning organizational goals with clinical advancements, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the American Heart Association maintains its position as a leader in cardiovascular health. This role involves constant collaboration with the Board of Directors to refine policy advocacy and improve healthcare practices nationwide. Sandy Hightower drives the expansion of lifesaving resources, ensuring that communities receive essential training and support. Through rigorous oversight of operational efficiency, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health necessary to sustain long-term research projects. Ultimately, Hightower fosters a culture of innovation that directly translates into improved patient outcomes and reduced mortality rates from cardiovascular events.

    Preeti K. - Director, Strategic Business Relationships - Office of the Chief Executive Officer

    Preeti K., the Director, Strategic Business Relationships - Office of the Chief Executive Officer at American Heart Association, manages high-level partnerships that expand the reach of cardiovascular health initiatives. Preeti K. cultivates alliances with corporate entities and healthcare organizations to secure funding for critical research and public health programs. By bridging the gap between the executive office and external stakeholders, the Director, Strategic Business Relationships - Office of the Chief Executive Officer ensures that collaborative efforts align with the core mission of fighting heart disease. This position requires constant engagement with industry leaders to promote healthier policies and improve healthcare delivery systems. Through the development of sustainable business models, the Director, Strategic Business Relationships - Office of the Chief Executive Officer strengthens the financial foundation of the organization. These efforts facilitate the deployment of lifesaving resources and educational tools to a broader audience, significantly enhancing the impact of the American Heart Association on global health standards.

    Lisa Langas - National Senior Program Director & Chief Executive Officer, Roundtable

    Lisa Langas, the National Senior Program Director & Chief Executive Officer, Roundtable at American Heart Association, architects national programs that translate cardiovascular research into actionable public health strategies. Langas oversees the implementation of educational frameworks designed to improve healthcare practices and community resilience against stroke. As the National Senior Program Director & Chief Executive Officer, Roundtable, Langas coordinates with regional leaders to ensure that lifesaving resources reach underserved populations effectively. This role involves managing complex program lifecycles, from initial design to large-scale deployment across the United States. By fostering dialogue within the Roundtable, Langas aligns diverse stakeholder interests with the overarching goal of reducing cardiovascular mortality. Lisa Langas drives the continuous improvement of training protocols, ensuring that the American Heart Association remains at the forefront of medical education. Through these efforts, the National Senior Program Director & Chief Executive Officer, Roundtable secures measurable progress in public health outcomes and community safety.
    Lisa Langas

    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, coordinates the executive agenda and facilitates communication across the leadership team. Sol oversees the prioritization of strategic initiatives, ensuring that the Chief Executive Officer remains focused on the most critical aspects of the mission. As the Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer, Sol manages the flow of information between the Board of Directors and the executive office to ensure alignment on policy and research goals. This role involves resolving complex operational issues and fostering collaboration among department heads to drive organizational efficiency. Laura Sol drives the implementation of high-level projects that support the fight against heart disease and stroke. By maintaining a clear view of the organization's strategic landscape, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the American Heart Association operates with cohesion and purpose, ultimately maximizing the impact of its lifesaving programs.

    Suzie Upton - Chief Operating Officer

    Suzie Upton, the Chief Operating Officer at American Heart Association, manages the internal infrastructure and administrative processes that support the organization's mission. Upton oversees the daily execution of operational workflows, ensuring that resources are distributed efficiently to support research and public health programs. As the Chief Operating Officer, Upton optimizes organizational performance by streamlining cross-departmental communication and resource management. This leadership role involves implementing scalable systems that allow the American Heart Association to respond rapidly to emerging public health challenges. By monitoring key performance indicators, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all operational activities align with the strategic goals set by the executive team. Suzie Upton drives the integration of technology into administrative functions, enhancing the overall productivity of the staff. Through rigorous oversight of internal operations, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the stability and agility required to advance the fight against heart disease and stroke on a national scale.
    Suzie Upton

    Craig Daniel - Chief Operating Officer, Operations & Director & Chief Operating Officer, Office of

    Craig Daniel, the Chief Operating Officer, Operations & Director & Chief Operating Officer, Office of at American Heart Association, manages the logistical frameworks that support regional operations and office-level execution. Daniel oversees the deployment of resources to local communities, ensuring that the American Heart Association maintains a strong presence in the fight against heart disease. As the Chief Operating Officer, Operations & Director & Chief Operating Officer, Office of, Daniel focuses on optimizing the supply chain for educational materials and CPR training kits. This role involves coordinating with regional directors to ensure that operational standards are met across all branches. By refining the internal processes of the office, the Chief Operating Officer, Operations & Director & Chief Operating Officer, Office of enhances the overall responsiveness of the organization. Craig Daniel drives the implementation of operational best practices that support the broader mission of improving healthcare practices and public health education throughout the country.

    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 regional governance and strategic oversight for the Long Island area. Grayver oversees the alignment of local initiatives with the national mission to combat heart disease and stroke. As the President of the AHA Board of Directors In Long Island, Grayver fosters relationships with local healthcare providers and community leaders to promote public health education. This role involves guiding the board in setting regional priorities that address specific cardiovascular health needs within the community. By advocating for healthier policies at the local level, the President of the AHA Board of Directors In Long Island ensures that the American Heart Association remains deeply connected to the populations it serves. Evelina Grayver drives the expansion of lifesaving resources and training programs, ensuring that the organization's impact is felt directly in the region. Through this leadership, the board supports the broader national goals of the association.

    Jonathan Ross - Chief Marketing Officer

    Jonathan Ross, the Chief Marketing Officer at American Heart Association, directs the brand strategy and public awareness campaigns that promote cardiovascular health. Ross oversees the development of messaging that educates the public on heart disease prevention and the importance of CPR training. As the Chief Marketing Officer, Ross manages digital and traditional media channels to amplify the impact of the American Heart Association's advocacy efforts. This role involves crafting compelling narratives that drive engagement with donors, healthcare professionals, and the general public. By analyzing market trends, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that outreach initiatives remain relevant and effective in diverse geographic regions. Jonathan Ross drives the growth of the organization's digital footprint, facilitating easier access to lifesaving resources and educational content. Through strategic communication, the Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the public perception of the American Heart Association, ultimately fostering greater support for research funding and policy changes that save lives.

    Nicholas Farsi - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Nicholas Farsi, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at American Heart Association, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support large-scale research and public health data management. Farsi oversees the security and scalability of information systems that house critical cardiovascular health data. As the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Farsi ensures that the American Heart Association utilizes cutting-edge technology to improve healthcare practices and patient outcomes. This role involves managing complex IT projects that facilitate the delivery of online training resources and educational tools to a global audience. By implementing robust cybersecurity measures, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer protects sensitive data while maintaining operational continuity. Nicholas Farsi drives the digital transformation of the organization, enabling more efficient collaboration between researchers and medical professionals. Through these technological advancements, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer supports the mission of fighting heart disease and stroke with data-driven precision.

    Mariell Jessup - Chief Science & Medical Officer

    Mariell Jessup, the Chief Science & Medical Officer at American Heart Association, directs the scientific research agenda and medical policy development. Jessup oversees the evaluation of cardiovascular research grants and the translation of clinical findings into improved healthcare practices. As the Chief Science & Medical Officer, Jessup ensures that the American Heart Association remains at the cutting edge of medical innovation in the fight against heart disease and stroke. This role involves collaborating with leading researchers and clinicians to establish evidence-based guidelines for patient care. By providing medical expertise to the executive team, the Chief Science & Medical Officer shapes the organization's advocacy efforts and public health recommendations. Mariell Jessup drives the integration of scientific rigor into all educational programs, ensuring that the public receives accurate and lifesaving information. Through these efforts, the Chief Science & Medical Officer secures the scientific integrity and clinical relevance of the American Heart Association's work.
    Mariell Jessup

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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 Preeti K. (Director, Strategic Business Relationships - Office of the Chief Executive Officer) and Lisa Langas (National Senior Program Director & Chief Executive Officer, Roundtable).
    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), Preeti K. (Director, Strategic Business Relationships - Office of the Chief Executive Officer), Lisa Langas (National Senior Program Director & Chief Executive Officer, Roundtable) 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, Director, Strategic Business Relationships - Office of the Chief Executive Officer, National Senior Program Director & Chief Executive Officer, Roundtable, Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer.