ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 7, 2023 — The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, is pleased to announce that LaSonia Landry has been named as the Southeast’s new senior vice president, development and community health.

In this role, Landry will oversee development and community health in Louisiana, Mississippi, Gulf Coast of Alabama and the Panhandle and Central Florida markets. She will lead local market priorities for the Association as it works to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease, the leading killer of Americans, by focusing on community impact work, advocacy and research funding. 

“LaSonia brings more than two decades of experience in public health administration, strategic planning, and non-profit development. She has a drive and a passion for creating equitable health impact in our communities and I’m excited to have her in this new role with a broader reach,” said Candy Carter, associate executive vice president, Southeast, American Heart Association.

Landry joined the American Heart Association in 2015 and has been honored with the Jonathan Deluca Mission in Action award and the Southeast Community Impact Collaboration Award. She most recently served as executive director in Orlando. In that role she led the Orlando team in raising $3.9 million dollars in the 2021-2022 fiscal year and was responsible for the organization’s initiatives in the Greater Orlando community, including advocating for health policies and laws, improving access to food and healthcare, promoting Association-funded research, and increasing awareness of heart disease and stroke.

“I am incredibly grateful to continue driving the mission of the American Heart Association in Orlando and across the southeast region,” said Landry. “Since joining the Association, my commitment has and will continue to be improving health outcomes in the communities we serve with a focus on health equity, always. “

Prior to joining the American Heart Association, Landry began her national non-profit career at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America in Washington, DC, followed by Program Manager, Childbirth Education, with Inova Health, Northern Virginia’s largest healthcare provider. An active member of her community, Landry serves as an advisory board member for United Against Poverty, is an active member of Orlando’s Women Executive Council, and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

A graduate from The University of Southern Mississippi, she received her Master of Public Health with an emphasis in Administration and Policy.

About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries:
Heather Maloney, Communications Director: Heather.Maloney@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org