American Heart Association names Dallas board of region’s top leaders for 2025-26
DALLAS, August 18, 2025 — The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, proudly announces the officers and members of its Dallas Division Board of Directors for the 2025–26 fiscal year. These influential leaders officially began their terms on July 1, continuing their commitment to improving cardiovascular health and advancing health and hope for all across North Texas.
Representing a wide range of industries and communities throughout Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, Plano, Allen, Frisco, Irving, and beyond, the board includes executives and physicians from some of the region’s most respected companies and healthcare systems. Their leadership plays a critical role in driving local impact and supporting the American Heart Association’s mission in the Dallas area.
“This board brings a powerful combination of leadership, expertise, and heart,” said Meagan Johnson, Senior Executive Director of the American Heart Association in Dallas. “Their continued service is helping us drive meaningful change across Dallas by improving lives, strengthening communities, and advancing our mission to fight heart disease and stroke.”
2025–26 Dallas Division board officers
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Doreen Griffith, Board Chairperson – Principal, Grant Thornton
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Dr. Sandeep Das, President – Professor of Internal Medicine, Cardiology, UT Southwestern
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Stacy Nahas, Leadership Succession Committee Chair – Audit Chief Growth Officer, KPMG
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Steve Woodward – Giving Society Ambassador, Retired CEO, Kirklands
“Serving on this board is both a professional honor and a personal mission,” said Doreen Griffith, Board Chairperson. “We’re working together to create a healthier future for every family in North Texas, and I’m proud to be part of a team that’s committed to making that vision a reality.”
2025–26 Dallas Division board members
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Dr. Mark Chassay – Chief Medical Officer, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Texas
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Chris Clark – Managing Partner, Forvis Mazars
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Jennifer Durbin – Senior Vice President, Human Resources & Communications Officer, CMC
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Dr. Lanny Hurst Hall – Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, UT Southwestern
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Trent Handy – Partner, Ernst & Young
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Howard Mudrick – Executive Director, Winstead P.C.
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Dr. Sunita Koshy-Nesbitt – Chief Quality Officer, Texas Health Resources
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Andrew Olowu – Chief Technology Officer, Axxess
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Dr. Jeffrey Schussler – Chief Medical Officer, Baylor Scott & White
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Dr. Gordon Taylor – Senior Vice President, HUB International
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Dr. Bharath Thankavel – Vice President of Network Integration and Cardiovascular Services, Medical City Healthcare
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Scott Thompson – Partner, Haynes Boone
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Eric Vroonland – DFW Managing Partner, Deloitte
These returning leaders will continue to collaborate with local businesses, hospitals, schools, and civic organizations to address the most pressing health challenges in Dallas. The Association’s Community Impact team in North Texas has touched more than 270,000 individuals locally across Greater Dallas, through programs such as CPR education, improved nutrition security, and the expansion of hypertension control efforts in clinics and community centers.
For more information about the American Heart Association’s work in the region or to connect with the board, please contact Meagan Johnson, Senior Executive Director, at Meagan.Johnson@heart.org.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Lindsey Lyons Jones
Phone: 214-441-4114
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
