Local entrepreneur and award-winning journalist lead year-round campaign to improve health in Central Kentucky
LEXINGTON, Ky., Dec 5, 2025 — Through the American Heart Association’s Central Kentucky Heart Ball campaign, Joe Palumbo, a local entrepreneur, and Jennifer Palumbo, an award-winning journalist, will lead community-wide efforts to help ensure every individual in Central Kentucky has the opportunity for a full, healthy life. Central Kentucky’s Heart Ball engages companies, community leaders and individuals to make a lasting impact across the Four Chambers of the American Heart Association’s work: discovery, advocacy, access and knowledge.
The campaign will culminate at the Central Kentucky Heart Ball in February, celebrating hope and progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere.
“Joe and Jennifer Palumbo demonstrate outstanding dedication as local business owners, community-minded leaders and voices throughout Central Kentucky. Their passion and commitment to the American Heart Association’s mission, deep understanding of community needs and unwavering drive to make a difference positions them as a wonderful choice to chair this event,” says Andrea Ooten, Executive Director of the American Heart Association, Central and Eastern Kentucky. “We welcome Joe and Jennifer to the Central Kentucky Heart Ball campaign, an initiative that centers around better health for every individual by focusing on critical issues and work to equitably improve and save lives.”
Joe is president of Palumbo Properties, and Palumbo Lumber & Development Company in Lexington. He is a former president of the Kentucky Building Materials Association and the Building Industry Association of Central Kentucky. He is involved with Commerce Lexington and a graduate of their Leadership Lexington program. Joe also serves on the Sayre School Board of Trustees.
Jennifer is an award-winning journalist with 30 years of experience as a TV news anchor and reporter. She is currently the host and producer of Best of the Bluegrass on WLEX-TV, a lifestyle show in Central Kentucky. In addition to the American Heart Association, Jennifer gives back to the community through the Kentucky Children's Hospital Circle of Blue, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass and Jarrett's Joy Cart.
Joe and Jennifer live in Lexington and have two children, Anna and John. Anna is a junior at American University in Washington, D.C., and John is a freshman at the University of Kentucky.
“We are honored to serve as the 2026 Central Kentucky Heart Ball Chair Couple,” said the Palumbos. "We are eager to work with our outstanding team of volunteers and the American Heart Association to drive change by removing barriers to health, investing in groundbreaking research, delivering impactful health education and advocating for healthy policies. It takes a village to make a lasting impact, and we must do whatever it takes to create a better tomorrow for all people in Central and Eastern Kentucky."
The 2026 Central Kentucky Heart Ball is sponsored by Commonwealth Credit Union, Palumbo Lumber and Setzer Properties and will be held on Friday, February 6 at the Central Bank Center. The annual event is a night to celebrate the Heart Association’s year-round efforts to build a healthier Central Kentucky. Throughout the evening, the Heart Association will honor volunteers and patrons, share survivor stories and entertain guests with dinner, dancing and an auction. For more information on how to support or attend the Central Kentucky Heart Ball, visit heart.org/centralkyheartball or contact Lisa Edwards, Heart Ball’s Development Director, at Lisa.Edwards@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:
Meredith Adkins: Meredith.Adkins@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
