Regional director leads local movement aimed at improving heart and brain health for all

(STARK COUNTY, OH) January 12, 2026 — The American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart and brain health for all, invites Stark County companies, communities and individuals to stop the cycle of cardiovascular disease and stroke by raising critical funds to further research and education through the 29^th Annual Bill Phillips Legacy Foundation Golf Classic, chaired by Jim Hewitt, regional director of water markets for GPD Group and emeritus board member for the American Heart Association, Northeast Ohio.

As the 2026 chair, Hewitt will lead a team of top Stark County executives that will work to recruit companies and organizations to take part in the golf outing. The efforts will culminate on Monday, May 18^th at The Quarry Golf Club where teams of four will play to raise awareness and funds to further the work of the American Heart Association. 

“This year, I will be the oldest surviving male on my mother’s side of the family as her father and all of her brothers perished before their 60^th birthdays (some much younger),” said Jim Hewitt, returning chairman of this year’s golf classic. “My dad has battled atrial fibrillation for the past 20 years, including having a heart valve replacement in his 60s, and I currently have mitral valve prolapse. Every day is a gift, and the lifesaving research that the American Heart Association provides is essential to extending the lives of our friends, families, co-workers and loved ones.”

Bill Phillips, the event’s namesake, was a lifelong Canton resident. In his honor, the Bill Phillips Legacy Foundation is dedicated to improving the health of Stark County. Most recently, the foundation sponsored the American Heart Association’s EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator: Akron/Canton, an initiative that is working to transform the social drivers of health by supporting local entrepreneurs and changemakers through grants, training and resources.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity to raise awareness and funding for our lifesaving research while spending quality time with friends, coworkers and board members,” Hewitt said. “This lifesaving research will not only benefit our current generation but those for generations to come.”

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and the leading cause of serious, long-term disability. Each year approximately 800,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke.[1] While approximately 80% of those who have a stroke will survive, the majority will remain with some degree of physical impairment or disability. Research shows that up to 80% of strokes are preventable. Getting the recommended amount of physical activity is linked to lower risk of diseases, stronger bones and muscles, improved mental health and cognitive function and lower risk of depression.[2]

For more information about the 29^th Annual Bill Phillips Legacy Foundation Golf Classic or to get your company involved, visit heart.org/cantongolf or contact Jennifer Kulics, senior development director for the American Heart Association, Northeast Ohio, at Jennifer.kulics@heart.org.

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About the American Stroke Association

The American Stroke Association is a relentless force for a world with fewer strokes and longer, healthier lives. We team with millions of volunteers and donors to ensure equitable health and stroke care in all communities. We work to prevent, treat and beat stroke by funding innovative research, fighting for the public’s health, and providing lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based association was created in 1998 as a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit stroke.org. Follow us on Facebook and X.

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:

Chelsea Caldwell: 614-448-7943, Chelsea.caldwell@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org