SEATTLE, December 9, 2024 — construction workers in the U.S. have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to long hours, high stress, poor nutrition, high tobacco use and the lack of heart-strengthening exercise. Local construction industry leaders are working to change the statistics through the American Heart Association’s Hard Hats with Heart initiative led in 2025 by Nick Vovakes, vice president and division manager for Swinerton’s Seattle office.
Vovakes is serving as the Puget Sound Hard Hats with Heart chairperson and will work alongside other industry leaders to champion action-oriented conversations about employee health, engage tradespeople in healthy lifestyle activities and raise lifesaving funds for the American Heart Association, who is celebrating 100 years of lifesaving science.
“I’ve been involved with Hard Hats with Heart for four years and we are making a real impact in the health and well-being of craftworkers across the Puget Sound,” said Vovakes. “This year, we plan to focus our work on reducing workplace stress and building mental resilience. Work-related stress is associated with a 40 percent increased risk of cardiovascular disease[1]. As employers, we are uniquely positioned to influence positive and lasting change for employees. I look forward to seeing the results of our effort.”
The executive leadership team members joining Vovakes in 2025 include:
- MaryAnn Blake, senior vice president, operations, Juniper Loan Companies
- Ruben Canas, president construction, MacDonald Miller Facility Solutions
- Marjorie Chang, director of business development, Hoffman Construction
- Jenny Chin, director of talent & culture, Cochran Inc.
- Hisham N. Elkhawad, senior director design and construction, Providence Swedish
- Matt Flatt, vice president operations, Cochran Inc.
- Jeret Garcia, president and chief executive officer, Valley Electric
- Jenae Goldfinch, vice president, Goldfinch Brothers Inc.
- Mark Howell, senior vice president, Skanska USA Building
- Mark Jonson, executive vice president, McKinstry
- Bryan Maggio, project executive, Mortenson Construction
- Tony Parker, shell & core manager, Goldfinch Brothers Inc.
- Karl Pihl, principal, director of project development, EBD Services
- John Schuh, vice president, Aldrich & Associates
- Troy Stedman, president & chief executive officer, Abbott Construction
- Todd Stine, partner, ZGF Architects
- Robert Taaffe, director of construction & employee safety, Sound Transit
- Brad Velasco, director of preconstruction, VECA Electric & Technologies
- Nicole Wenzel, associate vice president of integration & strategic program delivery, MultiCare Health System
The Hard Hats with Heart accomplishments will be celebrated at an annual event scheduled for May 7, 2025 at The Shop in Seattle. For sponsorship information or to join the leadership team, contact Julia.Martin@heart.org. For more information about Hard Hats with Heart in the Puget Sound, visit www.heart.org/PugetSoundHHWH.
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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 a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. In Washington, visit heart.org/Washington, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X.
For Media Inquiries:
Valerie Koch: valerie.koch@heart.org
Francesca Minas: francesca.minas@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
