TAMPA BAY, Fla., July 21, 2025 – The American Heart Association proudly announces that its Tampa Bay Metro Board has achieved the prestigious Gold Standard Board designation for the 2024–2025 fiscal year—an honor earned by markets that exceed ambitious benchmarks in leadership engagement, revenue generation and mission impact.

This recognition is accompanied by a milestone achievement: the Tampa Bay Metro Board has delivered over $1 million in year-over-year revenue growth, placing it among the top-performing markets nationwide.

“This achievement is a testament to the power of passionate leadership and unwavering community dedication,” said Nina Morgan, executive director of the American Heart Association, Tampa Bay. “From day one of this fiscal year, our Metro Board embraced the mission with focus, determination and heart. Their commitment helped deliver one of the most successful years our market has ever experienced. I’m deeply grateful for this incredible team of volunteer leaders.”

The Metro Board’s success was driven by a diverse group of corporate, clinical and community leaders dedicated to advancing the American Heart Association’s mission across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties.

As Board Chairperson, Danny Persaud, CEO of MidFlorida Armored, provided thoughtful leadership and helped elevate the board’s influence and effectiveness across the region.

“Achievements like this happen when collaboration is fueled by purpose,” said Persaud. “We’ve proven that when passionate leaders unite around a common mission, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.”

Board President Dr. Guilherme Oliveira, vice-president of Tampa General Hospital's Concierge Medicine Service Line, provided strategic leadership and helped strengthen the board’s overall impact, fostering alignment around shared goals and deepening community connections.

“Co-leading this board has been an honor and has shown me the power of unity around a shared community purpose,” said Oliveira. “We’re not just funding programs and promoting events—we’re helping shape a healthier, stronger future for families throughout Tampa Bay.”

Looking ahead, the board is positioned for continued impact with incoming leadership including President-Elect (2025-2027) Dr. Debbie Rinde-Hoffman, vice-chief of business development & physician network at Tampa General Hospital, and Chairperson-Elect (2025-2027) Amanda Stevens, chief executive officer at Raymond James Bank. Both leaders are poised to continue building on this year’s momentum and deepening community engagement.

The 2024-2025 Tampa Bay Metro Board also includes a dynamic group of individuals committed to the mission of the American Heart Association:

  • Dr. Amer Z. Aldeen, Acute Care Solutions
  • Shantha Diaz, (Retired) Avalon Healthcare Solutions
  • Alexander Johnson, Orlando Health
  • Marcos Murillo, Hillsborough County Public Schools
  • Jason Newmyer, AdventHealth Riverview
  • Dr. Sami Noujaim, USF Health
  • Dr. Lucila Ramiro, Community Leader
  • Dr. Robert Sanchez, HCA Physician Services Group
  • Alexandra Schaffrath, Ultimate Medical Academy
  • Stacie Schaible, WFLA News Channel 8
  • Dr. Kevin Sneed, USF Health
  • Dr. Jim Thompson, John’s Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
  • Lance Zingale, AHA Southeast Region Board Member

Together, this board helped power vital community work throughout the region—from expanding maternal health resources and CPR education to advancing health equity, funding research, and supporting advocacy efforts.

For more information on the work of the American Heart Association in Tampa Bay or how to get involved, contact TampaBay@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 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, on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries:

Madison Potter; madison.potter@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org