MELVILLE, N.Y., July 30, 2026 — Longtime volunteer leaders Randy DeYulio and Avni Thakore, M.D., have begun two-year terms as chair and president, respectively, of the Long Island Board of Directors.

The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, announces the new board leadership as heart disease and stroke remain the nation’s No. 1 and No. 4 causes of death. DeYulio and Dr. Thakore will guide local efforts to improve prevention, expand CPR education, address barriers to care and raise funds for research and community programs across Long Island.

DeYulio, Deloitte’s Long Island managing partner, has been a longtime Heart Association supporter and volunteer leader. He has provided vital leadership to the Long Island Heart Walk, serving as chair in 2020 and proudly co-chairing the event during the organization's 100th anniversary in 2024. Through these efforts, he has helped engage the region’s business community in supporting cardiovascular health.

“Business has a role in making heart health part of everyday life, not just a conversation after an emergency,” DeYulio said. “I have seen what is possible when employers and community leaders bring people together around a clear purpose. My focus is to help more Long Islanders learn CPR, know their numbers and have a fair chance to live longer, healthier lives.”

Dr. Thakore, a nationally recognized cardiologist and physician executive who is the founder and CEO of ConciergeMD, has served on the Long Island board and executive leadership team and has been a frequent spokesperson and medical resource at Heart Association community events. She previously served as president of Catholic Health Physician Partners, where she led a network of more than 3,000 physicians and providers.

“Too often, heart disease announces itself in an emergency room when the warning signs were present years earlier,” Dr. Thakore said. “I joined this work because prevention should not be a privilege. We have the science to identify risk sooner, and our responsibility is to make that knowledge practical and accessible in every community.”

“Randy and Avni bring uncommon professional credibility and a proven record of service to Long Island,” said Dawn Clark, associate executive vice president of development and community health for the Heart Association. “Randy has helped bring business leaders and employees into our largest local campaign, while Avni has become one of our most trusted clinical voices in the community. They are top-caliber leaders who know how to listen, show up and bring people with them. I am proud to work alongside them as they guide the board.”

As Deloitte’s Long Island managing partner, DeYulio oversees marketplace and operational activities including strategy, financial performance, talent recruitment and development, community activities and service delivery. He also serves as the Deloitte Private Audit leader and Consumer & Industrial Products industry leader in the Long Island marketplace and holds leadership roles with several business, accounting and community organizations.

Dr. Thakore earned her medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed training in internal medicine, cardiovascular medicine and advanced cardiovascular imaging at Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Medical Center. Her work has focused on prevention, access and new models of care that help identify cardiovascular risk earlier.

DeYulio and Dr. Thakore will serve as chair and president, respectively, for a term that began July 1, 2026, and continues through June 30, 2028.

To get involved with the American Heart Association on Long Island, contact aha.longisland@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 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, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries:

Bong Arquiza, Bong.Arquiza@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org