SEATTLE, July 7, 2025 — To ensure all Washingtonians have the opportunity to build a long and healthy life, the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health of all, has named its Puget Sound volunteer board leadership for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The group will be led by chairperson Chad Brown, founder and chief executive officer, CommEx Advisors, president Susie Woo, M.D., FACC, cardiologist, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, leadership development chairperson Carrie Miceli, Certified SaFe, Scaled Agile, SAP, commercial industry leader, Eagle Hill Consulting and giving societies chairperson, Lee Crain, a community volunteer.

Brown has served on the Association’s board of directors in Puget Sound for five years and is a survivor of sudden cardiac arrest. He is passionate about CPR and the Association’s effort to build a Nation of Lifesavers as well as work focused on the health and well-being of younger generations through the Kids Heart Challenge, American Heart Challenge and the Teen of Impact. In the role of chairperson, Brown will use his expertise to guide the overall direction of the division with an emphasis on revenue development.

Woo has served on the Association’s board of directors in Puget Sound for four years and has served as a Go Red for Women Ambassador in Washington. She is passionate about heart disease prevention and care, especially among women. In the role of president, Woo will lend her medical expertise to helping the division advance the health of the community, including guiding the community planning and health priorities in Washington.

Miceli has served on the Association’s board of directors in the Puget Sound for eight years and has served in a variety of executive leadership roles including past Go Red for Women chairperson and member of the women’s health council. Her area of interests include women’s health and supporting policies that help to build a healthier Washington. In the role, Miceli will be charged with supporting the staff in the recruitment, nomination and succession planning for board members, officers and campaign chairpersons.

Crain is the 2023 Puget Sound Go Red for Women Woman of Impact winner and has served the organization in a variety of roles including most recently as Go Red for Women’s Washington Circle of Red chairperson. Crain is joining the board of directors and will be charged with championing gifts from individuals in the community and expanding the impact of the Cor Vitae Society and the Paul Dudley White Legacy Society.

Serving alongside Brown, Woo, Miceli and Crain on the board of directors are:

  • Hans P. Cassagnol, M.D., MMM, chief medical officer, Northwest Region, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
  • Brett Daniel, M.D., MHA, chief medical informatics officer, Optum Care Pacific Northwest and West Region
  • Kent Fisher, community volunteer
  • Bob Huskey, vice president, produce, Costco
  • Ruchi Kapoor, M.D, PhD, cardiologist, UW Medicine
  • Mark Mitchke, president and chief executive officer, Delta Dental of Washington
  • Bill Robertson, chief executive officer, MultiCare Health System
  • Nicole Saint Clair, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., executive medical director, Regence Blue Shield
  • David Tirschwell, M.D., MSc, FAHA, FAAN, chief of service for neurology, Harborview Medical Center

“We are fortunate to have an incredible group of talented individuals supporting our work in Washington,” said Whitney Meidl, executive director, American Heart Association – Washington. “The board brings a diverse set of interests and perspectives which is instrumental in guiding the Heart Association’s mission forward. I look forward to working alongside these volunteer leaders during the fiscal year and know we will reach new heights through their leadership.”

In Washington, the American Heart Association is focused on ensuring everyone has access to quality healthcare, increasing access to nutritious and culturally relevant foods to keep them healthy and well, supporting patients navigating high blood pressure, a leading risk factor for both heart disease and stroke, and increasing access to CPR education and training. To learn more about our work in Washington, visit heart.org/Washington. To join our effort, contact Puget.Sound@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, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. In Washington, visit heart.org/Washington, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X.

 

For Media Inquiries:

Francesca Minas: francesca.minas@heart.org

Valerie Koch: valerie.koch@heart.org,

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

heart.org and stroke.org