JACKSONVILLE, FL, May, 27, 2024 —First Coast leaders are joining the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, to improve cardiovascular health through The Executives with Heart initiative.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, four of the 10 most costly health conditions for US employers are related to heart disease and stroke and a healthier workforce can mean lower direct costs for companies.
“Healthy employees are the heart of a healthy business” said Buck Smoak, director of business development at Auld & White Constructors and chairperson of the First Coast Executives with Heart campaign. “Championing health of the mind, body and heart is great for employees and helps with productivity, engagement and retention. Executives with Heart serves as the foundation for inspiring a culture of health and well-being in any workplace.”
Executives with Heart is a group of over 900 corporate leaders across the U.S. who are dedicated to eradicating heart disease and stroke and improving the health and well-being of our nation’s workforce. In the First Coast area, this select group of leaders includes top executives representing various industries with a shared goal to build a healthier workforce and community. Each member raises funds to support the American Heart Association’s lifesaving work while also engaging their employees in participating in Heart Challenge, a corporate initiative putting health and well-being at the center of the workplace experience.
First Coast Executives with Heart include:
- Buck Smoak, Director of Business Development, Auld & White Constructors
- Rick Bouchereau, Vice President of Gresham Smith
- Kyle Dorsey, President of Baptist Medical Center South
- Melissa Fulmore-Hardwick, Chief Information Officer of CSI Companies
- Nik Gervais, Co-Founder of Gervais Ventures
- Trevor Lee, Partner at Hoefer Welker
- Luke Nicholas, VP of Ticket Sales and Service at Jacksonville Icemen
- David Sneed, Employee Benefits Consultant at USI Insurance Services
- Ryan Taylor, Project Development at Scorpio
First Coast Executives with Heart members rally their networks and employees to support the Association by raising funds to provide at least twenty CPR & First Aid in Youth Sports® Training Kits to local sports groups. The kits teach the lifesaving skill of CPR, AED use and how to help save a life during sports-related emergencies.
“1 in 300 youth have an undetected heart condition and annually, 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital,” said Smoak. “Our aim is to empower more individuals in our community to become lifesavers.”
For 100 years, the American Heart Association has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy communities. As the association enters its second century of life-saving work, these efforts remain critical as cardiovascular disease continues to be the number one killer in the United States.
For more information about how to get involved in First Coast Executives with Heart or to donate, contact carmen.stokes@heart.org or visit https://heartchallenge.heart.org/executives-with-heart/jacksonville.
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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 a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Carmen Stokes: carmen.stokes@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org