LITTLE ROCK, Ark., July 21, 2026 — The American Heart Association-Central Arkansas has added five new members to its governing board of directors: Cori Keller, John Morgan, Ashley Russell, Dr. Jorge F. Saucedo and Sapna Vengala.
American Heart Association board members bring a combination of skills, experience, passion and influence to accomplish the revenue and health goals of the organization. They volunteer their time, talent and resources to building capacity and improving cardiovascular health in the community, while serving as champions for health equity and addressing the needs of diverse populations.
“Heart disease and stroke continue to impact far too many families across Arkansas,” said Nikki Smith, executive director of the American Heart Association-Central Arkansas. “That’s why the leadership of these board members matters so much. They are committed to turning awareness into action and helping us create healthier futures for every person we serve.”
Board members provide leadership and strategic guidance to advance the association’s mission. They help cultivate relationships with community and corporate partners, support fundraising and health initiatives, advocate for policies that improve public health and serve as visible ambassadors for the organization.
Keller of Little Rock serves as an administrative fellow for Baptist Health. A native of Stuttgart, Arkansas, she is a two-time graduate of Arkansas State University, earning a Master of Science in mass communication and a Bachelor of Science in exercise science. She completed her doctorate of healthcare administration from Oklahoma State University in December 2025.
Keller served as Miss Arkansas 2023 and was a Top 10 finalist at Miss America, where she advocated for women’s heart health and childhood hunger. She continues that work through her service, using her platform to elevate awareness, strengthen partnerships and support families across Arkansas.
Morgan, a lawyer with the Mitchell Williams Law Firm, recently relocated to Little Rock after a decade in Houston. His experience includes in-house counsel roles at a publicly traded energy company and mergers and acquisitions and private equity work at nationally recognized firms, including Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
Russell is a travel agent and an active volunteer in her community, dedicating time to organizations including The Rep, the North Little Rock Junior League and parent-teacher organizations in both the North Little Rock School District and at Episcopal Collegiate School. Passionate about improving health outcomes, Russell is a strong advocate for heart health and regularly encourages others to prioritize preventive care, routine screenings and early testing to help identify health risks before they become serious.
Saucedo is a nationally recognized cardiologist who serves as chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He is a longtime American Heart Association volunteer leader, having served as a member of the American Heart Association national Board of Directors.
Vengala of Hot Springs is a longtime supporter of the American Heart Association and an active community volunteer. Since moving to Hot Springs in 2011, she has supported a range of philanthropic and civic efforts, including Jackson House, the Hindu Temple of Central Arkansas and community health initiatives through CHI St. Vincent. She and her husband, Dr. Srinivas Vengala, served as co-chairs of the 2026 Hot Springs Heart Ball, helping raise a record-breaking nearly $300,000 to support the association’s lifesaving mission. She is passionate about bringing people together through service and promoting health and wellness.
Board members serve multi-year terms and play a critical role in advancing the American Heart Association’s efforts to fund research, improve health outcomes and advocate for policies that support longer, healthier lives.
For more information on the American Heart Association-Central Arkansas and its volunteer opportunities, contact Nikki Smith at Nikki.Smith@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 or X 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
