Local healthcare leader to serve as chairperson for 2025 Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk

BAKERSFIELD, Calif., May 19, 2025 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, has named Lindsay Ashley, chief financial officer at Centre for Neuro Skills, as the community volunteer chairperson for the 2025 Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk. This annual event, accompanied by a fundraising campaign, aims to combat heart disease and stroke—two of the leading causes of death in both the U.S. and California. This year’s walk is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Oct. 11, at California State University, Bakersfield.

 

"The Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk inspires me with its potential to make a lasting difference," said Ashley. "Heart health is brain health, and I am deeply committed to supporting the American Heart Association in their relentless fight against heart disease and stroke. Together, we are creating a future where everyone can access the resources, knowledge and care needed to prevent, recognize and treat stroke, which supports our community in a meaningful way.”

 

Ashley will be joined by fellow executives seeking to make an impact. The 2025 Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk executive leadership team includes:

 

"The Heart and Stroke Walk is a fantastic chance for Kern County to come together as a united community, standing strong against heart disease and stroke," said Kelley Berry, executive director of the American Heart Association, Kern County. "We are immensely grateful for Lindsay's steadfast expertise, passion and dedication to our mission. Leaders like her are crucial in our ongoing efforts to save lives and provide hope to families affected by heart disease and stroke."

 

Local teams have already started to form and commence fundraising. Participants can register for the event at BakersfieldHeartWalk.com. From there, they can create personal fundraising pages, download the Heart Walk mobile app, and encourage family and friends to join. Companies interested in participating can contact Kelley Berry at Kelley.berry@heart.org. 

 

Funds raised go toward the American Heart Association’s work to advance lifesaving research, education and health for all people. Locally in Kern County, the Association has helped expand access to CPR skills, ensured local heart and stroke patients are connected to the latest science-based treatments via its hospital programs, and supported community members managing high blood pressure with tools and resources for better blood pressure control. 

 

 

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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 the American Heart Association in Kern County on heart.org/southern-california, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

 

Lily Gordon: lily.gordon@heart.org 

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) 

heart.org and stroke.org