ANCHORAGE, Alaska, July 16, 2025 – The American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, is proud to announce Chrissy Colucci, CPTD, as its new executive director in Alaska. Colucci brings a proven track record leading organizations and serving on boards that promote health and community well-being across Alaska.  

As executive director, Colucci will oversee local initiatives aimed at reducing the impact of heart disease and stroke, which remain among the top causes of death in Alaska and nationwide. Under her leadership, the Association’s local team will strengthen sponsorships and collaborations, advance community health initiatives and support a full calendar of events across the state, starting with the Alaska Heart Run & Walk, taking place at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage on Sept. 20, 2025.

"I'm deeply honored to join the American Heart Association and lead our work in Alaska, where the need for community-driven health solutions is both urgent and personal,” said Colucci. “Having spent much of my career focused on empowering Alaskans, I’m excited to keep fostering partnerships that make lasting change, reduce the burden of heart disease and stroke and uplift well-being in every corner of our diverse state."

Colucci brings a strong understanding of Alaska’s unique needs. This expertise will benefit the Association’s ongoing community impact work across the state, which includes efforts such as improving nutrition security, connecting patients with science-based heart and stroke care, supporting blood pressure management and expanding access to CPR skills.

Most recently, at Chugach Alaska Corporation, Colucci led organizational development and talent strategies that honored and advanced Chugach culture and community. She has held roles on several nonprofit boards and currently serves as vice chair of the YWCA Alaska board. Her background also includes community engagement, fundraising and volunteer leadership with Credit Union 1, Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska and the Anchorage Museum Association. 

"Chrissy’s dedication to community health and her longstanding leadership in Alaska make her an exceptional choice to lead our efforts in the region,” said Lanette Trickey, region senior vice president, development and community impact, American Heart Association, Western States. “Her ability to foster collaboration and drive meaningful impact is exactly what the American Heart Association needs as we advance our mission across the state."

2025 marks the beginning of the American Heart Association’s second century, celebrating 101 years of lifesaving impact as a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Join the American Heart Association’s movement in Alaska as a donor, sponsor or volunteer and help shape the next century of heart and brain health by visiting heart.org/Alaska.

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

 

For Media Inquiries:

Lily Gordon: lily.gordon@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org