FORT WORTH, August 4, 2025 — The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, proudly recognizes the dedicated volunteers who will serve as officers and members of the Tarrant County Board of Directors for the 2025–26 fiscal year. These leaders officially began their new terms on July 1, continuing their commitment to advancing cardiovascular health across the region. 

Representing a wide range of industries and communities throughout Fort Worth, Arlington, Southlake, Colleyville, Westlake, Grapevine, Keller, Mansfield, and beyond, the board plays a vital role in driving local impact and supporting the American Heart Association’s mission in Tarrant County. 

“We’re extremely grateful for the continued leadership of our board officers,” said Meagan Hemenway, Executive Director of the American Heart Association in Tarrant County. “They are deeply committed to our shared mission of advancing the health education and wellness of our community and are a key driver of our progress in this market. Together we continue to reduce the impact of heart disease and stroke throughout Tarrant County” 

2025–26 Tarrant County board officers 

  • Sam Kang, Board Chairman – Charles Schwab 

  • Tyler Bloomer, MD, Board President – Texas Health 

  • Jaimeson Smith, Chair-Elect – Creative Planning Solutions 

  • Jainy Savla, MD, President-Elect – Texas Health 

  • Michael Klein, Leadership Development Chair – D1 Training 

  • Karen Thornton, Community Impact Chair – TPG 

  • Hatice Dalton, Nation of Lifesavers Co-Chair – Deloitte 

  • Matt Zavadsky, Nation of Lifesavers Co-Chair – PWW | AG 

 

“It’s an honor to serve alongside such a passionate and inspiring group of leaders,” said Sam Kang, Board Chairman and long-time American Heart Association volunteer. “Over the years, I’ve witnessed the life-changing impact this organization has had on families across our community. I’m deeply proud to help lead this board as we continue working toward a future where everyone in Tarrant County has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life.” 

 

Board members 

  • Anas Alomar, MD – Methodist Southlake 

  • Theodore Aquino, DO – BNSF 

  • Jennifer Bocker, MD – Medical City Healthcare 

  • Debbie Gillespie, Ed.D – UNTHSC 

  • Sreenivas Gudimetla, MD – Texas Health 

  • Joe Harrington, Ed.D – HEB ISD 

  • Melissa Huffman – Omni Group 

  • Penny Johnson – Texas Health Huguley 

  • Anita Krueger, MD – Baylor Scott & White – All Saints 

  • Karen Love – Cook Children’s Health Plan 

  • Monika Mathur, MD – Texas Health – Alliance 

  • Michele Reynolds – Community Volunteer 

  • Evan Robinson, PhD – UNTHSC 

  • Melissa Witbeck – Charles Schwab 

  • Taleb Vadel – Fidelity Charitable 

 

The Association’s staff and volunteers work year-round to collaborate with local businesses, healthcare systems, schools, and civic organizations to address the most pressing challenges to improving heart health in the community. The Association’s local Community Impact team has touched nearly 90,000 individuals locally across Tarrant County, through programs such as CPR education, improved nutrition security, and the expansion of hypertension control efforts in clinics and community centers.  

 

For more information about the American Heart Association’s work in the metroplex or to connect with the board, please contact Meagan Hemenway, Executive Director, at Meagan.Hemenway@heart.org. 

 

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: 

Lindsey Lyons Jones  

Lindsey.LyonsJones@Heart.org  

Phone: 214-441-4114 

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

heart.org and stroke.org