AUSTIN, Oct. 2, 2025 — Striving to make Austin the healthiest city in the nation, the American Heart Association-Austin proudly announces its Board of Directors for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This group of dedicated community volunteers, business leaders, and medical professionals officially began its new term on July 1, continuing its commitment to advancing cardiovascular health throughout Central Texas.
Representing a wide range of industries and communities throughout Travis, Hays, Caldwell, Bastrop, and Williamson Counties, the board plays a critical role in driving local impact and supporting the American Heart Association’s mission in Austin.
“Local leadership is the heartbeat of our mission at the American Heart Association,” said Brad Wisdom, executive director of the American Heart Association-Austin. The Austin board brings together an extraordinary group of people who are passionate about cardiovascular health and committed to the well-being of our community. Their strategic guidance and tireless advocacy have helped us drive meaningful change – from improving access to care in underserved neighborhoods to advancing health equity across Central Texas.”
2025-26 Austin Board Officers
- Virginia Visser, board chairperson
- Matt Ashley, M.D., J.D., board president – Centre for Neuro Skills, chief medical officer
- Erik Day, giving society ambassador – Dell, senior vice president, SMB transformation
- Eric Gribble, leadership development chair – DPR Construction, healthcare core market leader
“The American Heart Association isn’t just about research and advocacy – it's about showing up in the community, listening, and building trust,” said Virginia Visser. Whether we’re hosting CPR demonstrations, supporting school engagement, or working alongside community organizations, I want every Central Texan to know: we’re here, we care, and we’re committed to making heart health accessible and visible in every corner of our region.”
Board Members
- George Arnaoutakis, M.D. - UT Health, chief, div. of cardiovascular & thoracic surgery
- Drew Bennett, Baylor Scott & White, vice president of operations
- Srikant Das, M.D. – Texas Children’s, pediatric & adult congenital cardiologist
- Caitlin Giesler, M.D. – The Heart Center for Women, founder & director
- Mark Hauerland – HEB, director of grocery merchandising & receiving
- Fennis Ho – community advocate
- David Huffstutler – St. David’s HealthCare, CEO
- Scott Macintosh – Valterra Partners, co-CEO
- Brett Matens – Austin Heart Hospital, CEO
- Jessica McMillen – UTSA, national strategic consultant
- Jenny Feng Perry – PwC, director, cybersecurity, data & tech risk
- Joe Provost - Abott, vice president, global commercial operations, electrophysiology
- Erich Sanchack – Salute Mission Critical, CEO
- Edgar Saucedo – Norsan Media, president
- Nina Seely – Legends Real Estate, owner/realtor
- Adam Sencenbaugh – Haynes Boone, managing partner
- Meredith Wells – Ascension, vice president of neuroscience service line
For more information about the American Heart Association’s work in Austin or to connect with the board, please contact Brad Wisdom, executive director, at Brad.Wisdom@heart.org.
###
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
Michael Vybiral: michael.vybiral@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
