PITTSBURGH, June 10, 2025 — Mark Kwapiszeski, executive chief information officer with PNC, will lead the charge as the 2025 American Heart Association Heart Walk Chairperson to build a community of lifesavers in Greater Pittsburgh. Under Kwapiszeski’s leadership, top executives throughout the region will unite to recruit companies and organizations to join the Heart Walk, aimed at raising funds to fight cardiovascular disease while equipping people with the education, knowledge and resources to act in the face of a cardiac emergency by learning CPR.

According to the American Heart Association, which has been saving lives for more than 100 years, nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die[1] yet immediate CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival[2]. Kwapiszeski and a team of top executive leaders are committed to ensuring that more people in Greater Pittsburgh are prepared to respond effectively in these life-or-death situations.

“The Heart Walk gives residents and employees an extraordinary opportunity to address a critical issue in our community,” said Matthew Sousa, executive director of the American Heart Association in Pittsburgh. “Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, and the difference between life and death often hinges on the quick actions of a bystander. Through the Heart Walk, we are not just raising funds; we are raising awareness, enhancing CPR training, and building a network of lifesavers throughout the region. With Mark at the helm, we are confident this year’s campaign will have an even greater impact in saving lives.”

The Heart Walk, active in over 220 cities nationwide, is more than a fundraiser—it’s a movement that drives corporate involvement in the fight against cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. This year, companies participating in the Heart Walk will play a crucial role in the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative, a national effort aimed at doubling cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030.

"PNC’s dedication to the communities we serve is at the heart of everything we do,” said Kwapiszeski. “Heart disease has impacted too many of our neighbors, family and friends, and the importance of having a trained, confident lifesaver in every home cannot be overstated. I encourage companies to join PNC by supporting the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk to help save lives across the Greater Pittsburgh region."

The American Heart Association is a global leader in resuscitation science, education, and training and the official publisher of CPR guidelines. Through the Nation of Lifesavers initiative, the Association is committed to empowering individuals everywhere to act in the event of a cardiac emergency, making sure that no one is left without the help they need when seconds count.

The Greater Pittsburgh Heart Walk is Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Hartwood Acres. Participants will walk to save lives while raising essential funds to advance lifesaving research, increase CPR education and training and drive equitable health for all people.

Companies interested in participating can contact Lizzy Zimmerman at Lizzy.Zimmerman@heart.org. For more information about the Greater Pittsburgh Heart Walk, visit www.heart.org/PittsburghWalk.

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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:

Karen Colbert; 412.475.4928; karen.colbert@heart.org  

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

heart.org and stroke.org