DAVIE, FL., October 27, 2023 — Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in south Florida and David Wagner, south Florida market president at Florida Blue is working hand-in-hand with the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, to change that. Wagner will serve as chair for the 2024 Broward Heart Walk, a community campaign focused on engaging local companies, corporations and their employees to join the fight against heart disease and stroke. 

“As someone who has witnessed the profound impact of stroke on my own family, I understand the urgent need for the lifesaving funds of the American Heart Association,” said Wagner. “Our mission at Florida Blue is to help people and communities achieve better health. So it was easy for me to stand alongside this organization in efforts to save and improve lives. Leading the Heart Walk is a real honor for me.”  

As chairperson of the Heart Walk, Wagner will lead a team of Broward county-area executives to recruit companies and organizations to be a part of the event, which takes place Sunday, March 10 at Nova Southeastern University. The leadership team and supporting organizations will raise funds for the American Heart Association while leading action-oriented conversations about employee health, corporate engagement, community health and community transformation. Also serving in leadership roles on the Heart Walk Executive Leadership Cabinet are:

  • Akin Ayodele, Gallagher
  • Ryan Case, Rick Case Automotive Group
  • Alex Espinosa, Cleveland Clinic Florida
  • Alex Fernandez, VITAS
  • Robert Fernandez, Stiles
  • Andrew Koenig, CITY Furniture
  • Jeff Petak, One Beat Medical
  • Ruben Rayneri, Miami First Aid
  • Brian Mumme, B&I Contractors
  • Ryan Shea, Right Management
  • Bob Swindell, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance
  • Scott Wester, Memorial Healthcare System
  • Nicolo Zini, Inter Miami CF
  • Giancarlo Zuniga, Truist

“We are incredibly grateful for these leaders who are stepping up to move the needle when it comes to heart disease and stroke,” said Marisol Garcia, executive director of the American Heart Association Greater Miami/Fort Lauderdale market.  “Through the various Heart Challenge initiatives, we can drive maximum impact through employee engagement and corporate fundraising. Together, we can save lives right here in Broward County.”  

Heart disease and stroke are largely preventable and how you eat, move and manage stress impacts your well-being, physically and mentally. Heart Challenge™ provides resources, tools and activities to support both mental and physical well-being for employers and employees. 

Currently, this year’s Heart Walk sponsors include CITY Furniture, Florida Blue, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Memorial Healthcare System, Rick Case Automotive, Pediatrix Medical Group, Stiles, Florida Power & Light, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, JM Family Enterprises, B&I Contractors, LifeSync, One Beat, Kindred Hospitals, Community Care Plan and Nova Southeastern University as our host sponsor. For more information about the Broward Heart Walk or to get your company involved contact SouthFlorida@heart.org or visit BrowardHeartWalk.org.

###

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, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

Staff contact: Christina Vitale - christina.vitale@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org