AUSTIN, Aug. 14, 2026 — The American Heart Association-Austin is proud to announce its executive leadership for 2026-2027, with Matt Ashley, M.D., J.D., chief medical officer for Centre for Neuro Skills, assuming the role of Board Chairperson and Meredith Wells, vice president of neuroscience and spine service lines at Ascension Texas, becoming Board President. Together, Wells and Ashley will lead the Austin board’s efforts to advance the Association’s mission across Central Texas through community impact, advocacy, research funding and volunteer engagement.
“I am honored to serve as President of the American Heart Association-Central Texas board and to work alongside local leaders who are deeply committed to improving heart and brain health in our communities,” said Wells. “At Ascension Texas, I see every day the difference that compassionate, high-quality care and timely access to treatment can make in a person’s life, and over the next year, I hope we can empower more people with the knowledge and resources to take charge of their health – because the person we educate today could ultimately help save the life of a family member, a friend or someone else in our community.”
As a healthcare executive, Wells has long championed patient-centered care and improved health outcomes at Ascension. Her experience leading complex healthcare service lines and championing brain health offers a unique perspective as the Association continues to address the region’s most pressing health challenges.
Ashley, a physician leader and longtime American Heart Association volunteer, will move to Chairperson after serving as Board President, providing clinical expertise and helping connect the organization’s work with healthcare systems and providers throughout the region.
“I am very excited to be working with Meredith this year in her new role as Board President,” said Ashley. “With her help, we hope to continue to move forward in our fight against heart disease and stroke. We want to improve out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates for residents of Central Texas, improve awareness and action regarding elevated blood pressure, continue to focus on women’s cardiovascular health and promote research and development in the Central Texas region.”
Brad Wisdom, executive director of the American Heart Association-Austin, said Wells and Ashley represent the type of mission-focused leadership needed to address today’s cardiovascular health challenges.
“Meredith and Matt share a vision for creating healthier communities and improving access to quality care,” said Wisdom. “Their combined expertise and commitment to our mission will help accelerate the work we’re doing throughout Central Texas.”
Ashley fills the Chairperson vacancy left by longtime community leader Virginia Visser. Under Visser’s leadership, the organization significantly expanded its impact through community education and local engagement.
The American Heart Association funds groundbreaking research, advocates for public health and equips communities with the resources they need to prevent and manage heart disease and stroke.
For more information about the American Heart Association-Austin, visit Texas | American Heart Association.
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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:
Michael Vybiral: michael.vybiral@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
