DES MOINES, Sept. 21, 2022 — Americans living with chronic conditions are at an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Ben Vallier, CEO of The Iowa Clinic, will prioritize reducing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure during his time as chair of the 2023 Heart of Greater Des Moines Campaign.

Vallier and his executive leadership team will also focus on the lifesaving skill of CPR as part of the campaign, which concludes at the Greater Des Moines Heart Ball on Feb. 11, 2023, at the Community Choice Convention Center in Des Moines.

The Heart Ball is the annual black-tie event that raises critical funds to support the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all.

“We’ve made a lot of progress in the fight against heart disease and stroke, yet so many individuals in our community face the burdens of these conditions every day,” Vallier said. “By addressing health inequities, funding life-saving research and providing critical education and resources, we are assisting and supporting our neighbors with critical needs throughout Central Iowa.”

The dollars raised by the Heart of Greater Des Moines campaign fund the mission of the American Heart Association to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives while supporting priority issues in the Des Moines metro. Reducing and improving chronic conditions is a key issue to propel work in support of the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, reducing barriers to health care access and quality.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Ben Vallier and The Iowa Clinic for the 2023 Greater Des Moines Heart Ball,” said Karen Rieck, vice president of human resources with Farm Bureau Financial Services and chair of the American Heart Association Greater Des Moines Board of Directors. “Ben’s energy, conviction and passion will help raise critical funds to advance the science and the policies that will lead to longer, healthier lives for Central Iowans.”

Vallier is working with a committee of volunteer leaders on the campaign, which aims to raise $600,000. The volunteers include:

  • Mark J. Becker, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
  • Joan M. Bindel, MercyOne Des Moines Foundation
  • Jamie N. Carlson, The Iowa Clinic
  • Kris DeGraff, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
  • Nick Hansen, DLR Group
  • Renee Hardman, Broadlawns
  • Katherine Harrington, West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce
  • Philip A. Hodgin, RDG Planning & Design
  • Jon Koehn, The Waldinger Corporation
  • Matthew McKinney, Brown, Winick, Graves, Gross and Baskerville, P.L.C.
  • Julie Middleswart, Ernst & Young
  • Abi Reiland, Jones Lang LaSalle Brokerage, Inc.
  • Chris Ruggeri, Willis Automotive
  • Brad Schoenfelder, Ryan Companies
  • Jodi Schweiger, The Iowa Clinic
  • Kiley Skadburg, The Iowa Clinic
  • Todd W. Wishman, Bankers Trust Company

To learn more about the Greater Des Moines Heart Ball, visit www.heart.org/DSMHeartBall or contact Angela Hilbert, executive director of the American Heart Association’s Des Moines market, for more information.

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.  

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For Media Inquiries:

Bryan Geelan: bryan.geelan@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org