ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Dec. 18, 2023 — The American Heart Association-New Mexico, has new leadership for its board of directors for 2023-24: Suzanne V. Mirabal will serve as board chairperson, and Nathan Cogburn will serve as board president.
Cogburn, a registered nurse who was formerly vice president of strategic initiatives for Western Sky Community, care, is now a full-time student intent on becoming a family nurse practitioner. He brings a unique mix of clinical understanding as a registered nurse and soon-to-be provider, as well as leadership and managed-care expertise to help forge relationships with providers, health systems, employers and patients.
“One of our biggest challenges will be changing health behaviors that adversely affect Americans' health,” Cogburn said. “We can work on this by being out in the community and continuing to be a leading authority on heart health. In my clinical residency as a provider, I have given out American Heart Association health information multiple times.”
“I want to be a guiding force to help make this change, so we start craving more healthful food choices and lifestyles, such as walking and biking,” he added.
Mirabal is senior vice president and commercial team lead for First National 1870 in Albuquerque. She is former chairperson and co-chairperson for the New Mexico Go Red for Women Luncheon.
“Heart disease and stroke have touched my family,” said Mirabal. “I’ve been a volunteer for the American Heart Association for the last four years so others can hopefully avoid the pain and anguish my family has suffered.”
Board members apply their time, talent and resources toward building resource capacity and improving the cardiovascular health of the community. They are champions of health equity and recognize the urgent need to address the evolving needs of our increasingly diverse communities.
“For nearly 100 years, the American Heart Association has passionately fought to lower the impact of heart disease and stroke,” said Sherri Wells, executive director of the American Heart Association-New Mexico. “I’m proud to raise my voice in support and do all I can to reduce the chance that another generation is impacted.”
Board members serve a two-year term and take on the critical role of helping the association carry out its 2024 goal of advancing cardiovascular health for all, including identifying and removing barriers to health care access and quality.
The board and the New Mexico staff also focus on hypertension awareness, eliminating all nicotine use and reducing the risk of heart disease in women.
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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 a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries
Cyd King: M 479.263.8473; cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
