NEW HAVEN, CT July 7, 2023 — Robert W. Elder, MD, a cardiologist who is a specialist in adult congenital heart disease and pediatric cardiology, of Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital and Yale New Haven Hospital Heart and Vascular Center, has been named President of the Connecticut Board of Directors of the American Heart Association. Dr. Elder will serve a two-year term beginning July 1, 2023.

Dr. Elder has been a Connecticut Board Member for 5 years and has been part of the communications board work group. Dr. Elder has supported the American Heart Association’s fundraising events, Young at Heart and the Greater New Haven Heart Walk with his top fundraising team, Yale Young at Heart.

“For nearly a century, the American Heart Association, has saved and improved lives, and pioneered scientific discovery,” said Dr. Elder. “As a cardiologist who works with children through adulthood, I know the need for continued research and new breakthroughs.  I am honored to serve as President of the Connecticut Board of Directors.  I look forward to working with extraordinary board members and impacting lives and communities leading into the Association’s second century.”
 

Dr. Elder is a specialist in congenital heart disease and treats patients from infancy through adulthood. He is board-certified in adult internal medicine, pediatrics, pediatric cardiology and adult congenital heart disease.

New to the Connecticut Board is Leslie Torres-Rodriguez, Superintendent Hartford Schools. Dr. Torres-Rodriguez and Dr. Elder join fellow board members:


Russ Mills, Alteryx, Board Chairperson
Maureen Boyle, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Leadership Development Chairperson
Dr. Joonun (Chris) Choi, Stamford Health
Dr. Hardik Amin, Yale New Haven Hospital
Sandra Bulmer, PhD, Southern Connecticut State University
Joseph R. Catapano, Pitney Bowes
Dr. Howard L. Haronian, Hartford HealthCare Heart and Vascular Institute
Dr. Seth Lapuk, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center
Francine LoRusso, Heart and Vascular Center, Yale New Haven Health
Haley Sofiane, CareCentrix

“The American Heart Association is so honored to have Dr. Elder as President of the Connecticut Board,” said Adria Giordano, American Heart Association Connecticut Executive Director. “His dedication to heart health and passion for the mission will allow us to increase awareness and improve the health of Connecticut residents.”

For more information on the work of the American Heart Association in Connecticut, visit www.heart.org/connecticut.

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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.orgFacebookTwitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries:
Mary Ann Burns, Director, Communications, mary.ann.burns@heart.org  
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org