Local leaders bring multidisciplinary expertise to advance heart health outcomes across Northeast Florida
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 30, 2025 — Six local changemakers have been selected to join the First Coast Board of Directors for the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone, everywhere. Working in tandem with existing board members, appointees will leverage their expertise to support the local fight against cardiovascular disease.
The following individuals will join the Association’s Board of Directors on the First Coast:
- Dr. Christopher Bernier, superintendent of Duval County Public Schools
- Daniel Davis, president and chief executive officer at JAX Chamber
- Patrick George, CPA, chief financial officer at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside
- Dr. Ravi Pande, neurointerventionalist at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital
- Dr. Ravi Raheja, medical director and chief technology officer at Triage Logic
- Dr. Kelli Tice, vice president of medical affairs and chief health improvement officer at GuideWell and Florida Blue
“I cannot wait to see what these leaders accomplish during their tenure as a part of this exceptional cohort of individuals,” said Caitlin Brunell, executive director, American Heart Association, First Coast. “Each of these six individuals brings their own unique professional insights that help them serve an integral role in supporting the Association’s work in our community.”
The appointees will join the following existing board members:
- Christina Clohecy, chief operations and financial officer, Newfold Digital
- Dr. Amy Pollak, consultant, chair, division of cardiac subspecialties, department of cardiovascular diseases, assistant professor of medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
- Christine Smith, vice president, patient care services and nurse executive at Baptist Medical Center, Jacksonville
- David Dunn, chief risk officer at FIS
- Doug Baer, president and chief executive officer of Brooks Rehabilitation
- Grace McGehee Martin, advisory board member, past president and volunteer advocate on the women’s board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital
- Dr. Moez Limayem, president of the University of North Florida
- Patrick Green, senior vice president and northeast Florida regional president of UF Health Jacksonville
- Whitney Meyer, senior vice president and community impact officer for the Jacksonville Jaguars
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide, and stroke ranks second globally. The American Heart Association is working to create a world free from these diseases.
The American Heart Association, First Coast operates in Duval, Clay, Nassau, Baker and St. Johns counties in Northeast Florida. For more information on how to get involved with the American Heart Association, First Coast, contact AHAFirstCoast@heart.org, or visit Florida | American Heart Association.
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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: 214-706-1173
Emma Richards: emma.richards@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
