MELVILLE, N.Y., Apr. 7, 2026 — The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, announced that Francesca DeMartino, senior vice president and chief investor relations officer at Pfizer, will serve as chair of the 2026 Hamptons Heart Ball: Sand & Style Soirée, set for Thursday, June 11 at Oceanbléu in Westhampton Beach.
Heart disease remains the No. 1 cause of death in the United States, and the Hamptons Heart Ball campaign brings together community leaders, companies and supporters throughout the year to advance research, education and prevention. The Sand & Style Soirée marks the culmination of that work, celebrating progress made while raising critical funds to support the American Heart Association’s mission.
Tara Schneider, executive director of the American Heart Association on Long Island, said DeMartino’s leadership will help bring new energy and community involvement to the campaign.
“Francesca brings a personal connection to this cause and a strong commitment to the work of the American Heart Association,” Schneider said. “Her leadership will help engage the Hamptons community in supporting research, education and prevention efforts that can save lives and help families protect their heart health.”
DeMartino has supported the Heart Association’s mission for more than a decade and said the cause resonates deeply with her family’s experience.
“I’ve been connected to the American Heart Association and its events for many years, and its mission to raise awareness about heart conditions and help communities achieve better heart health means a great deal to me,” DeMartino said. “My late father suffered from atrial fibrillation and a stroke and passed away far too soon from heart disease. Standing behind this work and helping prevent unnecessary loss from cardiovascular disease is something that is very personal to me.”
As chair, DeMartino will work alongside volunteer leaders and supporters across the East End to encourage broader participation in the campaign and help bring new voices into the effort.
“It’s a privilege to lead a campaign with this level of purpose,” she said. “By encouraging people to get involved, share ideas and support the mission, the community can help spread lifesaving information about heart health and reach people who may not yet understand their risks.”
The Hamptons Heart Ball campaign reflects the American Heart Association’s four focus areas: discovery through research, advocacy for healthier policies, improved access to care and sharing knowledge that empowers people to protect their health. Together, these efforts support longer, healthier lives across communities.
For sponsorship and event information, contact Samantha Macleod at samantha.macleod@heart.org or visit www.heart.org/hamptonsheartball.
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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, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Bong Arquiza, Bong.Arquiza@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
