CHICAGO – Oct. 17, 2024 – The American Heart Association believes that everyone everywhere deserves the opportunity to live a full, healthy life. That’s why seven Chicago leaders are joining the Association’s Leaders of Impact™ initiative, working to remove barriers to equitable health for the residents in the Windy City by helping raise critical funds and needed awareness. According to the American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, health inequities related to uncontrolled high blood pressure rates, tobacco use, lack of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), access to healthy food and life expectancy gaps can impact 80% of health outcomes. [1]

“At the American Heart Association, our future is about improving the future of Chicagoans and people throughout Illinois,” said American Heart Association, Chicago development director, Samantha Netluch. “In the second century, the focus of many of our programs, including Leaders of Impact’s parent initiative, Heart of Chicago, will be closing the life expectancy gap between Chicago’s north and south sides. We’re committed to making sure everyone in Chicago and beyond has the agency to live out their healthiest lives.”

Leaders of Impact™, a nationwide initiative, launched in more than 150 cities across the country on Oct. 17. Hundreds of volunteer nominees nationwide will take part in a seven-week competition to improve their local community health. Participants are challenged with completing tasks throughout the program. These tasks involve each nominee leveraging their collective influence to educate their communities on the symptoms and warning signs of heart disease while raising critical dollars to help fund lifesaving research and advocate for the health and well-being of all.

Chicago’s 2024 Leaders of Impact Nominees are:

  • Mike Carpanzano, director, partner success, PT Solutions Physical Therapy
  • Zach Gardner, director, corporate operations, Jorie Ai
  • Amy Grace, senior vice president, relationship development & bank counsel, FNBC Bank & Trust
  • Mary Mannucci, senior business development manager, Reed Construction
  • Dr. Sheetal Patel, director, fetal cardiac program, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
  • Steven Shell, vice president, planning, allocation and operation, CB2
  • Kadi Underwood, U.S. rare disease KAM national lead, Pfizer

On Dec. 4, one nominee will be named the Chicago 2024 Leaders of Impact winner. In addition to the local community winners, one changemaker identified from across the country will also be named the National Leaders of Impact Winner.

“The American Heart Association just celebrated 100 years of being a relentless force for a world of longer healthier lives. Unfortunately, even after a century of impact, which started right here in Chicago, a number of issues, like nutrition security, economic stability and access to health care, prevent all Chicago residents from being their healthiest selves,” said American Heart Association, Chicago executive director, Brittany Walsh.

“We’re ecstatic to kick off the next century alongside this group of impactful leaders who bring a wealth of resources, connections and lived experience to their work,” Walsh continued. “I look forward to this year’s campaign and to reaffirming Chicago’s role as a leader in conversations around heart health, health equity and leveraging communities to improve outcomes.”

For more information on the Leaders of Impact Initiative or to support one of this year’s nominees visit http://www2.heart.org/ChicagoLeaders.  

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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. 

For Media Inquiries:
Jorie Goins: Jorie.Goins@Heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org