AUSTIN, March 4, 2026 — As Austin prepares to celebrate the previous year’s progress towards a community free of heart disease, Erik Day, senior vice president & GM, medium business, SMB strategy & transformation with Dell Technologies, has been named chair of the 2026 Austin Heart Ball campaign. This year’s casino-themed Heart Ball, held on May 2 at Fairmont Austin, highlights the reality of risk, the power of choice and the decision Central Texas has made to go all in for heart health in Austin.

“My mother and many of my lifelong friends and coworkers have been affected by heart disease, heart attacks and strokes,” said Day. “It’s because of the amazing work that the American Heart Association does that many of those lives were saved. I am honored to serve as chair of the 2026 Austin Heart Ball and am eager to work together with our outstanding team of volunteers to make a difference in the well-being of people in the Austin community.”

Day, who also serves on the Association’s local board of directors as Giving Society Ambassador, has spent over 25 years at Dell Technologies in a variety of sales, merchandising and marketing leadership roles. Day is also Dell’s global executive chair of the PRIDE employee resource group, and has been named to the Outstanding Top 100 Executive Role Models list multiple times.

Day and other attendees will celebrate the Association’s year-round efforts to drive health access in Austin. Throughout the evening, The American Heart Association will honor volunteers and patrons, feature stories of survivors, and entertain guests with dinner, dancing and an auction. For more information on the Austin Heart Ball, visit here or contact ty.fleeman@heart.org.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries: 

Name: Michael Vybiral, Michael.vybiral@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org