American Heart Association-New Mexico leadership earns national recognition for advancing heart health
ALBUQUERQUE, Aug. 25, 2025 — The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, proudly announces that its New Mexico board of directors has earned the prestigious Gold Standard Board designation for the 2024–2025 fiscal year. This national honor recognizes boards that exceed benchmarks in leadership engagement, revenue growth and mission impact.
The New Mexico Board joins an elite group of just eight markets nationwide that have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to advancing cardiovascular health and driving lifesaving change across their communities.
“This recognition reflects the heart and hustle of our board members,” said board chairperson Suzanne Mirabal, vice president over commercial lending at First National 1870 Bank. “We’re not just sitting around a table — we’re out in the community, advocating, educating and building a healthier New Mexico. This honor belongs to every volunteer, partner and supporter who helped us push the mission forward.”
The board’s success was fueled by a diverse coalition of leaders from healthcare, business, education and community sectors, all united by a shared purpose: to eliminate heart disease and stroke and improve health equity across the state.
Board president Nathan Cogburn, clinical supervisor at First Choice Community Healthcare, added, “This board is a powerhouse of passion and purpose. We’ve built momentum by listening to our communities and responding with bold, innovative solutions. From expanding CPR education to addressing rural health disparities, we’re proving that local leadership can drive national impact.”
Throughout the year, the New Mexico board helped power key initiatives including maternal health outreach, youth wellness programs, stroke awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening emergency response systems statewide.
Looking ahead, the board is poised for continued impact with incoming leadership and expanded partnerships focused on rural outreach, mental health integration and community-based research.
Other American Heart Association-New Mexico board members are:
- Leticia Archuleta, executive director/principal, Health Leadership High School
- Martha Carpenter, director, NAI SunVista Commercial Real Estate
- Leticia Chavarria, registered nurse, Presbyterian Hospital, Stroke & Neurology Group
- Jeff Kinney, chief operating officer, Presbyterian Healthcare Services
- Shayai Lucero, owner and designer, Earth and Sky Floral Designs
- Kathryn Marcotte, community leader
- Mike May, director of workforce learning, Future Focused Education
- Jeremy Montoya, store director, Albertsons
- Alexandra Pedersen Green, hospice OP nurse manager, Presbyterian Healthcare Services
- Dr. Carolina Ponce Orellana, interventional cardiologist, University of Mexico Health System
- Latha Raja Shankar, state plan chief medical officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
- Dr. Robert Taylor, clinical medical director at Optum Health Care
- Louis Volk, president and CEO, Delta Dental of New Mexico
Information on the American Heart Association-New Mexico is available by contacting Sherri Wells at Sherri.Wells@heart.org .
###
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 100 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
Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
