Local family leads year-round campaign to improve health in Central Virginia
RICHMOND, Va., August 24, 2026 — Through the American Heart Association’s Heart of Central Virginia campaign, Jock Wheeler, volunteer co-chair and CEO of ODM Mechanical, will lead community-wide efforts, alongside his wife Charlene Wheeler, to help ensure every person in Central Virginia has the opportunity for a full, healthy life. Heart of Central Virginia engages companies, community leaders and individuals to make a lasting impact across the Four Chambers of the American Heart Association’s work: discovery, advocacy, access and knowledge.
The campaign will come together at the Central Virginia Heart Ball, celebrating hope and progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere. The Wheelers credit their passion for heart health to the many people they’ve known and loved throughout their lives who have been affected by heart disease.
“My father was a vascular surgeon who dedicated his life to saving people affected by diseases of the blood vessels and heart disease, giving them a second chance at a high-quality life,” said Jock. “Ironically, he faced the same disease himself. Thanks to incredible medical advancements—including open-heart surgery and multiple stents—he lived a vibrant life of 91 years.”
“I engage with the American Heart Association because heart health is deeply personal to me,” said Charlene. “I’m driven by the memory of family members who fought heart disease and inspired by friends with children facing cardiac challenges. Jock and I are excited to be a part of the solution, providing support to families navigating these difficult journeys.”
A seasoned healthcare professional, Charlene will channel her experience into community advocacy as co-chair of the Central Virginia Heart Ball. After a successful medical career, she now dedicates her time to family, her beloved animals—including horses, dogs and cats—and exciting future ventures. She is thrilled to lead this commitment to cardiovascular health with her husband and their three daughters, and the entire team of volunteers behind the campaign.
Jock is the entrepreneur behind Old Dominion Mechanical. He built his company from the ground up into a team of over 150 industry professionals. Under his leadership, the organization has consistently set benchmarks for safety, quality and community impact, earning recognized distinction for 9 straight years as an Inc. 5000 award recipient. Jock’s true passion lies in building a safer, healthier future for the region. Guided by a personal focus on health longevity, he actively leverages his professional network to spearhead heart health advocacy and life-saving community wellness initiatives across Virginia and beyond.
“Jock and Charlene bring exceptional vision and energy as local community leaders. Their commitment to the American Heart Association’s mission, combined with a clear passion for improving the well-being of our community, makes them an outstanding choice to lead this year’s campaign,” Rich Reinecke, volunteer board chair of the Heart Association in Central Virginia and president of Fahrenheit Advisors. “We welcome them as co-chairs of the Heart of Central Virginia campaign, which unites leaders across our community to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere.”
The 2027 Central Virginia Heart Ball is presented by Old Dominion Mechanical and will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2027, at Main Street Station. The annual event is a night to celebrate the Heart Association’s year-round efforts to build a healthier Central Virginia. Throughout the evening, the Heart Association will honor volunteers and patrons, share survivor stories and entertain guests with dinner, dancing and an auction. For more information on how to support or attend the Central Virginia Heart Ball, visit www.heart.org/rvaheartball or contact Liz Arline at liz.arline@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.
Audry Dubon: audry.dubon@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
