ATLANTA, September 16, 2025   — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to heart and brain health for all, has selected six Atlanta leaders as this year’s Leaders of Impact™ nominees. Their efforts reflect a shared commitment to advancing the Heart Ball campaign, using their influence to drive awareness and inspire meaningful action in support of heart health.

Launching on Sept. 18, individuals nominated for the Leaders of Impact awards, in almost 100 cities across the country, will begin a seven-week competition to improve health within their local communities. They will leverage their collective influence to educate people on the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR and raise funds that are critical to drive pioneering scientific research and support health and well-being for everyone, everywhere.

The Association has funded more than $6.1 billion in cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and brain health research since 1949, making it the single largest nonprofit, non-government supporter of heart and brain health research in the U.S. Currently, there are 2,200 research projects underway, totaling more than $584 million in funding supported by the Association. New knowledge resulting from this funding continues to save lives and directly impact millions of people in every corner of the U.S. and around the world.

“These exceptional volunteers are helping to propel the American Heart Association’s work toward creating a world free of cardiovascular disease and stroke,” said Carla Smith, region senior vice president and executive director, American Heart Association, Metro Atlanta. “This program allows Atlanta leaders and stakeholders to drive change in their local communities, creating a healthier future for all.”

Atlanta’s 2025 Leaders of Impact Nominees are:

  • Ashley Atkinson, Agility Insurance Services
  • Terance Clement, Comcast
  • Amanda Durham, Locumtenens.com
  • Nicolette Gordon, Johnson Controls
  • Daveitta Knight, RS&H
  • Renea Pierre, Nature’s Own Herb Shops

The campaign will culminate on November 5, 2025.

For more information and to support a nominee, visit the American Heart Association’s Leaders of Impact initiative website.

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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:

Erin Thomas; Erin.Thomas@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org