HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Aug. 24, 2026 — The American Heart Association, a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, has appointed four new local executives and community leaders to its 2026-27 -Broward County Board of Directors. Working alongside fellow board members, these leaders will help advance the association's mission by focusing on four priority areas that promote equitable health outcomes: hypertension, nutrition security, women's heart health, and CPR and AED awareness.
The following individuals will join the Heart Association’s Broward Board of Directors:
- Angela R. Fulton, Ed.D., Broward County School District
- Bob Buehler, Life Sync
- Daren Koenig Cronin, City Home
- Dana P. MacDonald, Panza Maurer
- George Valle, Fifth Third Bank
“The Broward County Board of Directors has an opportunity to make a profound difference in the health and well-being of our community, and I look forward to working with this passionate team to expand our impact,” said Ellice Martinez, executive director,American Heart Association - Broward County.
The appointees will join the following existing board members:
- Lawrence Franchetti, board chairperson
- Veronica McCloskey, M.D., board president, HCA Florida Healthcare
- Deborah Deioma Danto, Danto Builders
- Gregory Holness, Kinesics
- Andrew Koenig, City Home
- Jenna Marlucci, Broward Health
- Dionne Polite, retired
- Svetlana B. Shugh, M.D., Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Heart Institute
"We are grateful for the leadership and expertise these board members bring to our organization," said Lawrence Franchetti, board chair. "Their commitment will help advance the American Heart Association's mission in Broward County and drive progress in areas that have a lasting impact on community health."
“Every person deserves the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life. Our board is focused on supporting initiatives that address local health challenges and ensure more residents have access to the tools and resources they need to prevent heart disease and stroke,” said Veronica McCloskey, M.D., board president.
The American Heart Association in Broward County serves communities throughout Broward County and the surrounding area. Through their collective reach, board members will help lead the organization in pursuit of its mission of being a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.
For more information about the American Heart Association in Broward County visit: www.heart.org/Florida.
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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 100 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:
Maggie Salas Amaro; maggie.salasamaro@heart.org
For public inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
