MELVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 18, 2025—The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone, everywhere, announces that nine Long Island leaders are joining the Heart Association’s Leaders of Impact™ initiative, creating a lifesaving movement of change across the nation.

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. There are 2,200 research projects currently 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 leaders are stepping up to improve health outcomes across Long Island,” said Tara Comer, region senior vice president of development and community health at the  Heart Association. “Through the Leaders of Impact initiative, they are driving meaningful change in their communities and helping build a future free from heart disease and stroke.”

Long Island’s 2025 Leaders of Impact Nominees are:

  • Alyson Belz, executive director, RCM Services, Optum
  • Domenico Ciaccio, vice president, CRA Officer & Business Banking, Ridgewood Savings Bank
  • Andrew Cunningham, police officer
  • Christine Earls, luxury vacation travel planner and owner, You and Me By The Sea Travel
  • Cristina Gulotta, marketing executive and founder, CoreFuel Marketing
  • Jennifer Gunn, director of business development and community affairs, People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union
  • Stephanie Mattera, philanthropist and professor, New York University of Professional Studies
  • Alyce Panico, chief executive officer, Luxe Collective Group
  • Missy Pool, FIT Foundation board member and strategic advisor, MultiMedia Plus

The campaign will culminate on November 5, 2025.

For more information on the Leaders of Impact Initiative or to support one of this year’s nominees, click HERE.

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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, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries:

Bong Arquiza: Bong.Arquiza@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org