LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Nov. 24, 2025 — The American Heart Association has named Melissa and Brent Morgan as co-chairpersons of the 2026 Central Arkansas Heart Ball, the premier philanthropic event supporting heart and brain health. The ball will be held Saturday, April 11, at the Statehouse Convention Center in downtown Little Rock.

For more than a century, the American Heart Association has worked to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through the Heart of Central Arkansas campaign, the Morgans will lead a community-wide effort to ensure every individual has the opportunity for a full, healthy life.

“Melissa and Brent bring a deep personal connection to our mission and a long-standing commitment to community service,” said Nikki Smith, executive director of the American Heart Association-Central Arkansas. “Their leadership, creativity and passion for improving heart health make them the ideal co-chairpersons for this year’s heart ball.”

Brent Morgan, president of commercial banking South Arkansas at Bank OZK, has a personal connection to heart disease that began when his father underwent quadruple bypass surgery at age 44.

“I was 12 years old, and it was the first time I saw my dad in peril,” Brent said. “That experience changed our family’s lifestyle and made heart health a priority in our home.”

Brent’s grandmother died of a heart attack in 1992. Even then, he said, “there was a misconception that heart health was more of a man’s worry and less of an issue for women, which we now know over 30 years later is completely false.”

Melissa Morgan, a seasoned marketing and PR professional and current art broker for Arden Boyce Art, first became involved with the Heart Ball in 2004 while working at Stone Ward advertising agency. She served on the event’s executive leadership team in 2006 and 2007. Her passion for the cause is also rooted in personal experience – her mother survived a massive stroke thanks to quick recognition and emergency care.

The Morgans have attended the Central Arkansas Heart Ball for more than 15 years and are eager to build on its legacy. They hope to attract upward of 800 guests and raise about $730,000. This year’s theme is “Hearts of Gold.”

“It’s a flagship event in our community,” Brent said. “We’re honored to serve and committed to making this the most successful Heart Ball yet – from awareness and attendance to fundraising.”

Melissa added, “We’re focused on keeping our team motivated and making every volunteer hour count.” They’re exploring new fundraising strategies and considering new entertainment options like a DJ.

“We want this event to be a celebration that people look forward to year after year,” Brent said.

The Heart Ball celebrates the progress made through the dedication of volunteers, donors and survivors. The evening will feature dinner, dancing and stories of impact, all in support of the American Heart Association’s mission to fight heart disease and stroke – the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States.

Melissa and Brent live in Little Rock with their two children, Mallory and Everett. Melissa’s volunteer work includes leadership roles with the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary Board, National Charity League and the Arkansas Economic Development Foundation Luncheon.Brent has most recently served on the Baptist Health Foundation Board and Arkansas State Board of Finance. 

The Central Arkansas Heart Ball is supported by Baptist Health and Bank OZK. For more information or to get involved, visit www.heart.org/HeartofCentralAR or  Kathy.Findley@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 100 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

Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org