MILWAUKEE, WI, July 24, 2025 — With more than two decades in the construction industry, Whitefish Bay’s Ryan O’Toole knows full well the health risks of a very demanding career.
And now with a new volunteer leadership role with the Milwaukee American Heart Association, O’Toole is poised and ready to make a difference.
O’Toole, vice president of business development for Brookfield-based Hunzinger Construction, will serve as the chair for the 2026 Milwaukee Hard Hats with Heart campaign. The year-long effort will culminate next June.
O’Toole has been with Hunzinger for 25 years. He began his career as a laborer while he earned his bachelor of science degree in construction management from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. From there, he transitioned into project management, where he worked on projects that ranged from large high-rise towers to high-profile entertainment venues to massive public housing projects.
Through O’Toole’s leadership the past five years as vice president of business development, Hunzinger’s average annual revenue has grown by 65%, from $251 million to $383 million.
“Being a part of the construction industry for most of my life, I am keenly aware that our industry is one the most affected, with too many of our workers suffering from heart disease,” O’Toole said. “I believe that it’s important to educate and be an advocate to help people in our industry understand the risks heart disease and provide them with the tools to live longer and healthier lives.”
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., with construction workers facing an elevated risk due to physically demanding jobs, high stress levels and limited access to health care. Studies show that one in four construction workers has high blood pressure, a key risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Additionally, nearly half of all cardiovascular events occur in people under 65, significantly affecting working-age individuals and their families.
The campaign focuses on integrating health, well-being and prevention solutions into the industry’s culture. Through Hard Hats with Heart, the Association inspires companies to implement initiatives to help employees improve their health such as providing healthy food options, promoting physical activity during breaks, executing stress-reducing programs and educating employees about the signs of heart disease and how to perform Hands-Only CPR.
O’Toole is excited to get working on the 2026 campaign.
“First off, I intend to build off the 2025 campaign and want to acknowledge the great work and leadership of Chris Surges and Karen McKenzie,” O’Toole said. “My goal is continuing to work with the executive leadership team that is in place to carry out and meet the 2026 campaign fund raising goals. There will be some – one-for-one swaps - with people leaving and new ones filling those roles, but we are also growing our executive leadership team and intend to have a net gain of new members.”
For more information about Hard Hats with Heart, contact Evan Wilks at Evan.Wilks@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. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than 100 years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, AHA funds groundbreaking research, advocates for public health policies, and provides critical resources to improve cardiovascular health and reduce stroke risks. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries
Travis Sloan:
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
