WASHINGTON, June 12, 2024 — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit committed to advancing heart and brain health for all, has named Diana Ceban, vice president of health at SAIC, as chair of the 2025 Heart of Greater Washington campaign.

Culminating with the Heart Ball celebration on April 5, 2025, the year-round campaign unites individuals and companies across the DC metro area to raise life-saving funds that fuel innovations in cardiovascular science and advance health and hope for all. The Heart of Greater Washington seeks to identify and remove barriers to equitable health with a focus on nutrition security, CPR education, hypertension control and more.

Ceban, a recognized industry leader in health IT and market intelligence, brings expansive experience in business development and growth strategy, supporting clients such as Health and Human Services, Veterans Affairs, and Military Health customers.

“Alongside the AHA, my goal is to raise awareness and improve outcomes for millions of patients with hypertension and to pave the way for a healthier future for generations to come. I am thrilled to lead a campaign that supports work to advance health and hope for everyone,” Ceban said.

Next year’s Heart Ball will be inspired by the Association’s second century of life-saving impact and will take place at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, D.C. At the 2024 Heart Ball, over 350 guests celebrated the first 100 years stage at the 2024 Heart Ball of the organization’s work to save and improve lives that has transformed healthcare, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy communities. Nine-year-old Brady Petrauskas melted hearts as the Open Your Heart speaker for the evening. Brady shared his journey with coarctation of the aorta, a condition in which the heart’s main artery is narrowed or closed and constricts blood flow to the body. You can watch his full story here. The evening featured exciting live and silent auctions and an afterparty featuring live music late into the night.

Planning is underway for the 2025 Heart of Greater Washington campaign! The Heart Ball is sponsored by SAIC, the Bender Foundation, Deloitte, HigherEchelon, RB Consulting, and more. To learn more about the AHA and get involved, email emily.a.cooper@heart.org or visit dcheartball.heart.org.

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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.orgFacebookX or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries:

Roxana Hoveda, roxana.hoveda@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org