Kansas City executive leads year-round campaign to improve health in community
KANSAS CITY, August 28, 2025 — For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through the Heart of Kansas City’s Heart Ball campaign, Cotton, volunteer chairperson and Midwest President of The BR Companies, has also served in a variety of leadership roles for Sporting Kansas City including Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel. As Heart Ball Chair, Cotton will lead community-wide efforts to help ensure every individual in Kansas City has the opportunity for a full, healthy life.
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 underrepresented, and education to equip the community to take control of their health.
“Greg Cotton and Jen Peters are exceptional leaders whose passion and commitment to the mission of the American Heart Association will inspire others to join this important work,” said Laura Lopez, Executive Director of the American Heart Association. “Their dedication to improving the health of our community makes them the ideal choice to lead the 2026 Heart Ball, and we look forward to the impact their leadership will create across Kansas City.”
Cotton is also a partner at 635 Holdings, a real estate development company focused on incentive-based mixed-use projects in the Kansas City area. Reflecting on his appointment, he shared, “I am honored to serve as the 2026 Kansas City Heart Ball Chair. Sports have been a huge part of my life, and I’ve seen firsthand how they can shape young people—in character, discipline and confidence. But with those opportunities comes a responsibility: to protect these kids. That means more CPR education. It means recognizing signs of cardiac emergencies before it’s too late. The American Heart Association is helping make that possible. Together we can save lives—not just in emergency rooms but on fields, courts and classrooms across the country.”
Jennifer Peters brings her own powerful connection to heart health. She served as an open-heart nurse for 13 years; a role deeply tied to her personal story.
“Heart health isn’t just a career—it’s personal,” said Peters. “Both my dad and grandfather had open-heart surgery, and those surgeries gave us the gift of more time—more birthdays, more hugs, and more memories. That’s why I support the American Heart Association’s mission, and why this cause means so much to me.”
The 2026 Kansas City Heart Ball is sponsored by The BR Companies, Lockton, Control Service Company, Forvis Mazars, Master’s Transportation, Kiewit and Garney Construction, among many other supporters and will be held on February 21, 2026 at The Loews Kansas City Hotel. The annual event is a night to celebrate the Association’s year-round efforts to break down barriers to health in Kansas City. 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 Kansas City Heart Ball, visit www.kcheartball.org or contact Jackie.McMahon@heart.org.
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
DeEtta Lee, Sr. Communications Director
DeEtta.Lee@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
