SYRACUSE, N.Y., Sept. 23, 2026 — Two local leaders are joining the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. These volunteers started their board term just as the group was recognized at the national level by the American Heart Association.
New board members include:
Adam Blanden, M.D., Ph.D. – Adam Blanden is a vascular neurology faculty member at Upstate Medical University and assistant director of the Upstate Comprehensive Stroke Center. While completing his neurology residency at Upstate, he played a leading role in creating the region’s first pediatric stroke pathway at Golisano Children’s Hospital. As the new president of the American Heart Association advisory board in Syracuse, Blanden says his goal is to help build a healthier, safer Central New York for everyone.
Kathleen Miller Murphy, R.N.– Kathleen Miller Murphy serves as the interim vice president of Crouse Medical Practice, director of Employee and Community Engagement and director of Women’s Health Integration at Crouse Health. She is a registered nurse with more than 30 years of healthcare leadership experience. Miller Murphy has been a passionate advocate for women’s health and community well-being throughout her career. Outside of work, she also serves as the president of Charity for Children, Inc.
“The American Heart Association has a mission to save lives, but we can’t do that without volunteers,” said Heather Evans, executive director of the American Heart Association in Central New York. “The Syracuse advisory board is a group of dedicated local leaders that is truly making a difference in the health of our community.”
The new members join an award-winning advisory board. The Syracuse area advisory board has been honored with the national Gold Standard Board designation from the American Heart Association 13 times since 2012. The board was recently recognized again at the silver level.
Additional board members include:
- Chairperson Diane Benedetto, National Grid
- Nakeia Chambers, M.S.Ed., Upstate Medical University
- Michael Cominolli, Salt City Senior Care Advantage
- Gwen Crossett, ConstantCare247
- Amy Grover, M.S., ATC, Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists
- Lekia Hill, Community Bank
- Meredith Price, St. Joseph’s Health
- Kelly Springer, M.S., RD, CDN, Kelly’s Choice, LLC
- Vanessa Szwejbka, AmeriCU Credit Union
- Derick White, National Grid
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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.
For Media Inquiries:
Kristy Smorol | Kristy.Smorol@heart.org|
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
