HOUSTON, Texas, July 9, 2026 — Through the American Heart Association’s Heart of Houston campaign, Dr. Danielle and Stephen Tschirhart, volunteer chairpersons will lead community-wide efforts to help ensure every individual in Houston has the opportunity for a full, healthy life. The Heart Ball celebrates hope and progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association’s efforts to make an impact on the health of the community. These efforts include the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery, public policy change, equitable health for the under resourced and underrepresented, and education to equip the community to take control of their health.
As longstanding volunteers of the American Heart Association, the Tschirharts have a profound personal connection to the mission, following the death of Dr. Tschirhart's father to heart disease. The devastating loss shaped the couple’s commitment to supporting research, education, advocacy, and access to care so that other families may have a chance to lead longer, healthier lives.
“We are honored to serve as the 2027 Houston Heart Ball chairpersons,” said Dr. and Mr. Tschirhart. “We look forward to partnering with our incredible team of volunteers and the American Heart Association to advance the impactful work championed by dedicated leaders such as the LaPar, Labrasca, and Singletary families. Together, we will continue driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care to improve the health of our community. Creating lasting change takes all of us—and united in this mission, we can build a healthier future for every person in Houston.”
Dr. Danielle Tschirhart is the founder of The Growing Minds Studio, a developmental psychologist and licensed professional counselor supervisor in the Houston area. With extensive experience as an educator, school counselor, and child psychologist, she has dedicated her career to enriching the lives of children and families. She holds a Ph.D. in Early Childhood Developmental Psychology from Fielding University, along with a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of St. Thomas and a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University.
Stephen Tschirhart is a chief underwriting officer at AmRisc Group, who is one of the largest property catastrophe insurers in the United States. Mr. Tschirhart holds an MBA from the University of St. Thomas and a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University. Stephen works on underwriting and product strategy, along with carrier and portfolio management across the AmRisc platform.
“Dr. Danielle and Stephen Tschirhart’s commitment to the American Heart Association’s mission, combined with a clear passion for improving the well-being of our community, makes them an outstanding choice to lead this year’s campaign,” said Lacey Berlau associate vice president of development with the American Heart Association, Houston. “We welcomed Dr. and Mr. Tschirhart as chairpersons of the Heart of Houston campaign, which unites leaders across our community to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere.”
AmRisc is the 2026-27 Houston Heart Ball Platform sponsor and is deeply interested in the community they serve. The Houston Heart Ball mission in the coming year fits perfectly with that dedication.
AmRisc’s president Laura Beckmann and senior vice president Elizabeth Hayes – who together created and run AmRisc’s charitable giving division noted, “We are pleased to collaborate with the American Heart Association’s Heart of Houston campaign, and we’re glad to see our giving at work through such a great organization”.
The 2027 Houston Heart Ball sponsored by AmRisc Group will be held on February 6, 2027, at The Hilton Americas- Houston. The annual event is a night to celebrate the Heart Association’s year-round efforts to build a healthier Houston. Throughout the evening, the Heart Association will honor volunteers and patrons, share survivor stories and entertain guests with dinner, dancing and an auction. For more information on how to support or attend the Houston Heart Ball, www.Heart.org/HoustonHeartBall or contact Lacey Berlau (Lacey.Berlau@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, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Terencia Lee; terencia.lee@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
