Ascension Wisconsin CEO leads year-round campaign to improve health in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE, WI, May 27, 2025 — For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through Heart of Milwaukee’s Heart and Stroke Ball campaign, Daniel Jackson, volunteer chairperson and CEO of Ascension Wisconsin, will lead efforts focused on improving equitable access to health resources and support services for the people of Milwaukee.
The Heart Ball celebrates hope and progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association’s efforts to make an impact on the health of the community. These efforts include the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery, public policy change, equitable health for the under-resourced and under-represented and education to equip the community to take control of their health.
Jackson began serving as Ascension Wisconsin’s CEO in August of 2023. He oversees 16 hospitals, more than 10,000 employed associates, more than 100 health care facilities and more than 1,100 primary and specialty care clinicians from Racine to Appleton.
Prior to his role as CEO, Jackson joined Ascension Wisconsin as the interim president of Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital – Milwaukee Campus. Before coming to Ascension Wisconsin, he was the CEO of Detroit Medical Center’s Sinai-Grace Hospital and has held additional leadership roles with other healthcare systems.
Jackson holds a Master of Science degree in public health administration from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn., and a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Morehouse College in Atlanta.
"I am honored to serve as the 2026 Milwaukee Heart Ball Chair," said Daniel Jackson, CEO of Ascension Wisconsin. "Having witnessed firsthand the lifesaving impact of heart care—both in the lives of individual patients and the broader community—I know how critical the work of the American Heart Association is to the greater good. And when healthcare providers across Milwaukee come together in support, we create a stronger, more connected system—one that’s truly capable of transforming outcomes and making a lasting impact."
With hospitals serving Wisconsin since 1848, Ascension is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit and Catholic health systems, with a mission of delivering compassionate, personalized care to all with a special attention to those most vulnerable.
“Daniel demonstrates outstanding leadership and dedication in his role as CEO at Ascension Wisconsin,” Milwaukee American Heart Association Executive Director Katie Connolly said. “His passion and commitment to the American Heart Association’s mission, deep understanding of community needs, and unwavering drive to make a difference positions him as the perfect choice to chair this event. We welcome Daniel to the Heart of Milwaukee, an initiative that centers around better health for every individual by focusing on critical issues and work to equitably improve and save lives.”
The 2025 Milwaukee Heart and Stroke Ball is sponsored by Ascension Wisconsin and will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21, at The Pfister Hotel. The annual event is a night to celebrate the Association’s year-round efforts to break down barriers to health in Milwaukee.
Throughout the evening, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health, will honor volunteers and patrons, feature stories of survivors and entertain guests with dinner, dancing and an exciting auction. For more information on how to support or attend the Milwaukee Heart and Stroke Ball, contact Liz Martin at Liz.Martin@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:
Dan Truttschel: dan.truttschel@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
