WASHINGTON, D.C., July 7, 2023 — The American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region, thrives on the dedication and passion of its volunteers who tirelessly drive the organization’s mission in communities across the region. “In this spirit of gratitude and progress, on behalf of the Association, we would like to express heartfelt appreciation to all of the members of the Board of Directors and wish all the best to those who are assuming new roles, have completed their board terms, and welcome new additions to this esteemed group of volunteer leaders,” said Soula Antoniou, Executive Director for the American Heart Association. “Through their service, they form a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives and make a significant impact in the Greater Washington Region and beyond.

The Association thanks Owen Billman, president of Blake Real Estate, for completing his two-year term as the board chair. During his tenure, the Greater Washington Region division raised $14 million in support of the mission. Billman has been an advocate of CPR and AED awareness and led the board to receive the American Heart Association’s Gold Standard Board designation, in recognition of best practices being followed to generate revenue, sustain volunteer leadership, engage advocates, and achieve strong health impact in the local community. Billman’s board service continues as Leadership Development Chair.

Amry Junaideen, principal at Deloitte & Touche LLP, succeeds Billman as chair of the board and will serve for a two-year term. Junaideen has nearly 30 years of experience including 26 years with Deloitte. His portfolio is diversified, global, and multi-industry and spans a blend of experiences that includes extensive client service, firm management, operations, talent, and governance.

Kelly Epps-Anderson, M.D., an interventional cardiologist at Inova Heart & Vascular Institute, remains the board president and will serve in this role for one more year. During her first year, Epps-Anderson has been involved with the area’s fundraising events and has elevated the community work of the organization. Epps-Anderson has a special interest in women’s cardiovascular health. She is passionate about educating women about their cardiovascular disease risk and is the Director of the Inova Women’s Cardiovascular Health Center and co-founded Inova’s cardio-oncology program.

Ameya Kulkarni, M.D.,  FSCAI has been named as president-elect. He will begin his two-year term on July 1, 2024. Kulkarni is serving his second year as the co-chair for the Greater Washington Region Heart Walk and is the associate medical director at Kaiser Permanente. He has a passion for treating adults with congenital heart disease. As a cardiologist who understands the importance of how the social determinants of health can impact “heart health”, he strongly believes in promoting health and wellness approaches including healthy eating and active living as part of treating cardiac illness.

The Association is grateful to members who have completed their board terms. During their tenure, they have made outstanding contributions to the community and in support of the mission for a world of longer, healthier lives. “I can’t thank our departing board members enough for their selfless service dedicated to saving and improving lives,” said Antoniou. “It has been a true honor to work alongside Federico, Sander, Roquell, and Caroline.”

Federico Asch, M.D. is the director of Cardiovascular Core Labs at MedStar Cardiovascular Research Network located at Washington Hospital Center. He is a longtime board member and has served in various capacities including immediate past president, is an advocate leader who was instrumental in the passage of nutrition and tobacco policy in DC and serves as a subject matter expert for media interviews. He will continue his service with the Association as a Member-at-Large of the Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee.

Sander Mueller is the chief strategy officer for Anybill. Since joining the board in 2017 he has served as Chair of the Gold Standard Board Committee. In this capacity, he has monitored, managed and driven the achievement of metrics and developed strategies as part of this internal American Heart Association division board best practices recognition program. Since he joined the board, it has received this esteemed award for six consecutive years. Mueller and Anybill have also supported the Heart Ball for many years.

Roquell E. Wyche, M.D. FACC is a cardiologist at Chesapeake and Washington Heart Care. Wyche has served on the board as president and most recently as the leadership development chair. Wyche has been a mission ambassador and blood pressure expert to the community leading trainings around Target: BP and taking part in numerous media interviews. She will continue to serve on the Association’s national Coronary Artery Disease Systems of Care Advisory Group.

Caroline Whittington is the M&A tax partner, international tax for KPMG. Last year, Whittington served as chair for the Executives with Heart campaign where 65 business leaders raised a record $563K in support of the Heart Walk and is a champion for the Association’s mission within KPMG and through her work on the Board.

The Association is thrilled to welcome the following new members:

Michael Kirshbaum is the chief financial officer of EAB, an education research, technology, and services company. He previously spent 19 years with EAB’s predecessor company, The Advisory Board Company, a healthcare and higher education technology, research, and consulting firm, where he served as Chief Financial Officer from 2006 until 2017.

Monica Shah, M.D. FACC is the senior vice president at Rocket Pharmaceuticals. She is a cardiologist and gene therapy research leader with a passion and commitment to innovative, patient-centered, and data-driven approaches to clinical research and clinical trials. She is currently the AAV Global Program Head at Rocket Pharmaceuticals.

Lauren Sipple, CPA, CGFM is a senior audit manager at KPMG, LLP. She has progressive experience performing integrated financial statement audits, examinations, and agreed-upon procedures for Federal agencies. She is active in her community through KPMG’s Families for Literacy program and volunteering with other organizations.

They will join the following board members who continue their service. “On behalf of the American Heart Association, we eagerly look forward to the continued accomplishments and collaboration of this tremendous group as they drive the mission forward and make a lasting difference in the community,” said Antoniou.

Bryan O. Buckley, DrPH, MPH, MBA
Director of Health Equity Initiatives
The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)

Mac Curtis
Chairman of the Board
Cubic Corporation

Yolandra Hancock, M.D. MPH
Professor
Milken Institute of Public Health, George Washington University

John Harrity
Partner
Harrity & Harrity LLP

Erin Henderson Moore
Chief Executive Officer
Centene Corporation/Wellcare

Carmen C. Ramirez, Ph.D., RN
Executive Director
Community Capital Corporation

Monique Sanfuentes
Administrative Director, Community Affairs and Population Health
Suburban Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Lauren Silvis
Senior Vice President of External Affairs
Tempus

Vishal Tulsian
Senior Vice President
SAIC

To learn more about the work of the board of directors, the impact of the organization and how to get involved, visit www.heart.org/dc

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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. 

For Media Inquiries: 
Roxana Hoveyda
roxana.hoveyda@heart.org
For Public Inquiries:
1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org