CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, July 29, 2025 — Two of the Coastal Bend’s top healthcare leaders are stepping up to lead the fight against heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association has named David Irizarry, CEO of Corpus Christi Medical Center, and Dominic “Dom” Dominguez, CEO of CHRISTUS Spohn Health System, as co-chairmen of the 2025 Coastal Bend Heart Walk — a powerful community event that brings thousands together in support of heart and brain health.

The walk will take place Saturday, Oct. 4, at Whataburger Field, and is expected to draw more than 4,000 participants and raise approximately $450,000 for lifesaving cardiovascular research, education and advocacy across the region.

This year’s event also shines a spotlight on Corpus Christi’s role as a pilot market in the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative — a bold nationwide movement to turn bystanders into lifesavers through widespread CPR education and training. The goal: double survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030.

“The Heart Walk is more than a fundraiser — it’s a rallying point for our entire community,” said Irizarry. “It’s an awareness event to bring our community together, build a culture of wellness and take steps toward better health.”

“As a healthcare leader, I witness the devastating impact of heart disease and stroke every day,” he added. “That’s why I’m deeply honored to co-chair this year’s Heart Walk. It’s an opportunity to inspire change, support groundbreaking research, and help create a healthier future for every person in our region.”

Irizarry, a Rio Grande Valley native, was appointed CEO of Corpus Christi Medical Center in September 2024. He began his healthcare career as a volunteer at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in 2002 and later held leadership roles at Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville, where he launched a neuroendovascular program and expanded cardiovascular and oncology services.

Dominguez, a longtime leader in the CHRISTUS system, began his career as a clinical pharmacist and later served as CEO of CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice. He now oversees five acute care hospitals and numerous clinics across the region.

“The Nation of Lifesavers initiative is about giving everyday people the tools to save lives,” Dominguez said. “We’re proud to help bring that mission to life in Corpus Christi.”

“This walk is a celebration of survivors, caregivers and advocates,” he added. “It’s also a reminder that heart disease is still the No. 1 killer — and we all have a role to play in changing that.”

As a pilot market for Nation of Lifesavers, Corpus Christi is leading the charge to train millions in Hands-Only CPR. The initiative includes partnerships with schools, businesses and community organizations to ensure more people are prepared to act in a cardiac emergency.

The Coastal Bend Heart Walk is a family-friendly, non-competitive event open to walkers of all ages and fitness levels. It honors survivors of heart disease and stroke and encourages participants to take charge of their own health while supporting a lifesaving cause.

To register as an individual or start a team, visit CoastalBendHeartWalk.org. Companies interested in sponsorship or team participation can contact Brittany Sandbach at Brittany.Sandbach@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 100 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

Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org