TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 24, 2026 — The American Heart Association, dedicated to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, has announced Lance Zingale as chair-elect of the Southeast Board of Directors for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

Zingale brings more than 45 years of experience in business transformation, customer experience, private equity and consulting to his role as chair-elect. Having retired as executive vice president and chief customer Officer of SYKES Enterprises, he has dedicated years of volunteer leadership to advancing the mission of the American Heart Association throughout the Southeast region.

He currently serves on the Southeast Board of Directors and is actively involved with the Tampa Bay Metro Board. His volunteer leadership with the American Heart Association also includes serving on the Executive Leadership Committee of the Tampa Bay Heart Walk, including a term as chair, as well as service on the Association's International Committee.

During his term as chair-elect, Zingale will support the board's efforts to strengthen the Association's impact across the Southeast region. Through strategic leadership and collaboration, he will help guide initiatives that improve health outcomes, expand access to care and advance the organization's mission of building longer, healthier lives for all.

"Serving the American Heart Association has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my volunteer journey," said Zingale. "As chair-elect, I am excited to help build on the organization's momentum and support efforts that make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout our region."

"Lance has been an extraordinary champion for the American Heart Association and a trusted leader throughout our region," said Nina Morgan, executive director of the American Heart Association in Tampa Bay. "His deep commitment to our mission, combined with decades of business and community leadership experience, will help strengthen our efforts to improve health outcomes, expand our reach and drive meaningful impact for the communities we serve across the Southeast."

The American Heart Association Southeast region serves Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Puerto Rico. Board members assist the organization in guiding efforts to reduce the incidence of heart disease and stroke, the Nos. 1 and 5 leading killers, respectively, of American men and women.

To learn more about the American Heart Association's work across the Southeast region and ways to support its mission, visit 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. 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, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries:  

Madison Potter madison.potter@heart.org  

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

heart.org and stroke.org