Bakersfield, Calif., Dec. 1, 2022 — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on ensuring longer, healthier lives for all, has named Steve Matejka, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Valley Strong Credit Union, as the 2023 Kern County Go Red for Women chair. In this role, Matejka is charged with a $250,000 fundraising goal to support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association.
Matejka will be joined by other area executives working to raise awareness about women’s heart health, as well as increasing community CPR training to save lives from cardiac arrest. The executive leadership team members include:
- David Harrington, President and Chief Operating Officer, Centre for Neuro Skills
- Maritza Jimenez, Marketing & Public Affairs, Kern Family Health Care
- Ken Keller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dignity Health’s Bakersfield Memorial Hospital
- Lisa Kreber, Multi-Site Director of Neurology, Adventist Health
- David Lari, Executive Director, JP Morgan Chase Bank
- Norma Rojas, Executive Director, Government Relations and Development, Bakersfield College
- Kiyoshi Tomono, Well Being Executive, Adventist Health
“As a husband and father of a daughter, the health of the women in my life is extremely important,” Matejka said. “I’m honored to lead this year’s Go Red for Women leadership team to bring community members across Kern County together to raise funds and awareness for women’s health and lifesaving CPR.”
The celebration of the campaign, the Kern County Go Red for Women Luncheon, will take place on Friday, March 31, 2023, at the Stockdale Country Club in Bakersfield. To purchase a table for the event or to learn more visit kerngored.heart.org or contact the American Heart Association’s Chelsea Ashcraft at chelsea.ashcraft@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 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 the Kern County office on heart.org/KernCounty, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Kate Lino: t-kate.lino@heart.org
Valerie Koch: valerie.koch@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org