CHICAGO, August 21, 2023 – Sharon Langshur, a public health researcher at Northwestern Medicine, has been elected to serve on the American Heart Association’s 2023-2024 Midwest Board of Directors. The American Heart Association is the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all. The Association’s new fiscal year, which began July 1, will also usher in the centennial celebration of the Association’s founding in 1924.
Langshur has served on the Metro Chicago Board of the American Heart Association since 2019, becoming the chair of the board in 2021, while continuing to serve on the Heart of Chicago committee. In her capacity as a public health researcher, Langshur drives improvements in health care for Chicago’s homeless population. Prior to her role with Northwestern Medicine, Langshur was an operating partner at Abundant Venture Partners, a venture capital firm serving companies focused on health care innovation.
Langshur states that the Association’s focus on health equity is one that deeply resonates with her, but her family also has a more personal connection to the Association’s mission. Langshur’s son, Matthew, was born with hypoplastic left heart, undergoing three separate heart surgeries shortly after birth, as an infant and then as a toddler. The Langshur family credits research funded by the American Heart Association with helping Matthew to receive life-saving heart surgery that allows him to live as a 25-year-old engineer for Tesla.
“There is no way to adequately thank the Association for the work it has done to save and improve the lives of children and adults just like my son,” Langshur said. “I’m honored and eternally grateful to the Association for placing its trust in me to drive the organization forward as a member of the Midwest Board of Directors.”
As a member of the Midwest Board of Directors, Sharon Langshur will help oversee the American Heart Association’s efforts in a 13-state region, comprised of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Together, the regional volunteer leadership board will guide the Association to drive breakthroughs in science and technology, change systems and policies, address disparities and transform health care and the health of communities nationwide and around the world.
During the upcoming year, Langshur will leverage her background as a researcher, venture capitalist and pediatrician, to play an instrumental role in advancing health equity while guiding efforts to reduce the incidences of heart disease and stroke in the Midwest. Langshur will lead this charge alongside the other members of the Midwest Board of Directors. Also joining the Midwest Board of Directors is former Metro Chicago board member Linda Imonti, retired managing principal with KMPG, LLC, who served as the 2020 Heart of Chicago chair before retiring to Rapid City, South Dakota, where she currently resides. You can find a full directory of the members here.
The American Heart Association’s new fiscal year runs July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.
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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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Jorie Goins, Communications Director
(312) 298-9335 | Jorie.goins@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
