ALBANY, New York, January 16, 2025 – Steve Wacksman, Albany Transportation Superintendent at CDTA, has been named the American Heart Association Capital Region 2024 Leaders of Impact™ winner for his work driving equitable cardiovascular health in the community. In the Capital Region, life expectancy varies by nine years[1] which can often be caused by social drivers of health, deeply rooted inequities related to public policies, institutional practices, cultural representations and other norms which often reinforce inequities in health.
Wacksman and the other Leaders of Impact will be celebrated at the Capital Region Heart Ball on Friday, Feb. 28 at the Albany Capital Center.
“Steve’s, and all of our nominees' steadfast efforts, are helping to ensure everyone across the Capital Region has equitable opportunities for a longer, healthier life,” said Casey Toomajian, CEO of Hometown Health and chair of the 2025 Capital Region Heart Ball: A Masquerade Affair. “By ensuring access to quality healthcare and addressing health disparities we are strengthening our collective future, creating a healthier, more vibrant community for generations to come.”
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. In addition, an aging, more diverse population, along with a significant increase in heart disease and stroke risk factors among younger people, are expected to nearly triple the nation’s price tag on cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 2050, according to new published projections from the American Heart Association.
Over the course of seven weeks, Wacksman participated in a fundraising competition alongside three other Capital Region professionals. Wacksman was named the 2024 Leaders of Impact winner after raising the most funds in the competition.
“Taking part in Leaders of Impact was personal for me because we all have loved ones that have suffered from a heart attack or stroke,” said Wacksman. "We are working to ensure everyone, everywhere in our community can live a longer, healthier life.”
For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has driven change by removing barriers to health, investing in groundbreaking research, educating health care professionals and patients, and advocating for healthy policies. In the Capital Region, the Association is specifically focused on building the Nation of Lifesavers by teaching Hands-Only CPR throughout the community, and lowering blood pressure.
Leaders of Impact launched on Oct. 17 in hundreds of cities across the nation and culminated on Dec. 4. Each nominee’s participation is focused on opportunities to be a changemaker with a shared purpose to raise critical awareness and fund the mission of the American Heart Association.
Other local nominees included:
- Adnan Bakar, pediatric cardiologist, Albany Med Health System
- Matthew Byers, district sales coordinator, AFLAC
- Karl Meehan, licensed real estate salesperson, Core Real Estate
For more information about Leaders of Impact and a list of all the 2024 nominees, please visit leadersofimpact.heart.org. For information about the Capital Region Heart Ball, visit www.heart.org/heartball518.
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About the 2025 Capital Region Heart Ball
The 2025 Capital Region Heart Ball is set for Friday, Feb. 28, from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Albany Capital Center. The evening will include CPR demonstrations, a live auction, the Donald Led Duke Heart Hero Award winner, recognition of Leaders of Impact, and a moving survivor story. Casey Toomajian of Hometown Healthcare is the chair. The Erin Harkes Band will perform. Sponsors include Hometown Health Care, CDPHP, CDTA, National Grid, Neil Golub, CBS 6, B 95.5 and the Times Union. For information about sponsorship or tickets, visit www.heart.org/heartball518.
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:
Katherine McCarthy: Katherine.McCarthy@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org