DALLAS, September 11, 2023 - As the American Heart Association approaches its centennial and celebrating all it has accomplished, tremendous challenges remain.  To help us meet the health challenges of the next decades, the Dallas Division of the American Heart Association is honored to announce new board leadership that will be led by Board Chair, Mark Sanders and Board President, Dr. Sandeep Das. 

Mark Sanders is a retired executive formerly President and CEO for Caliber Collision Centers.  Jennifer and Mark Sanders served as chairs of Dallas Division’s annual Cotes du Coeur gala in 2020 and 2021.

Dr. Das is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in cardiovascular disease.  He is currently the Medical Director for Acute Coronary Care at Parkland Health & Hospital System and the Division Director for Quality and Value in Cardiology at UT Southwestern.

Also, joining the Dallas Division board this year are:

  • Jenny Cochran, ​Senior VP of Business Services, Denbury​
  • Howard Mudrick, Executive Director, Winstead PC
  • Andrew Olowu, Chief Technology Officer, Axxess
  • Dr. Bharath Thankavel, VP of Network Integration and Cardiovascular Services, Medical City Healthcare
  • Dr. Jeffrey Schussler, Professor of Medicine at Texas A&M, Faculty Member at Baylor Scott and White Health
  • Dr. Lanny Hall, Cardiologist, UT Southwestern
  • Dr. Lori Rapp, Superintendent, Lewisville ISD
  • Steve Woodward, Retired Executive, formerly CEO, Kirkland’s Home

Chris LaTurno, Region Senior Vice President and Senior Executive Director, Dallas of the American Heart Association says, “With the support of our Dallas board, we’ve increased diversity in science and research, raised awareness about the life-saving skill of CPR and advocated for healthy policies. Their voices help us pass and defend state and local laws, promote federal policies and so much more. None of this is possible without their leadership.”

The leadership of these board members within their own organizations as well as a passionate commitment to better health gives the Dallas Division of the American Heart Association the energy to move the needle on community health challenges, while undoubtedly touching millions of hearts in some way.

For nearly 100 years, the American Heart Association has made bold moves that have saved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advanced access to quality health care for all. None of this would have been possible without the vision and commitment of our volunteers.

Volunteers like the Dallas Division Board leaders drive progress around the Association’s ten strategic commitments, anchored by equity and inclusion. Together, they are building healthy workplaces and investing in community-led solutions to improving health and well-being.

These community leaders join the more than 35 million donors and supporters who make up the nation’s largest voluntary health organization.

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. In 2024, the Association will mark a major milestone: 100 years of leading the fight against heart disease and stroke. Every year hundreds of thousands of lives are saved or improved because of its work.

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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, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.  

Dallas Media Inquiries to Lindsey Lyons: 469-499-6408; Lindsey.Lyons@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org