BOSTON, March 23, 2026 — The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, has announced its 2025–2026 Board of Directors for Greater Boston, bringing together leaders from health care, business and community organizations committed to advancing cardiovascular health across the region.
Allison McClain Joyce, global communications and public relations director at Ropes & Gray, has been named chair of the board. Jennifer Cluett, M.D., clinical specialist in hypertension at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, has been named president.
Joining the board as new members are Lisa Abbott, executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Boston Children’s Hospital; Scott Daley, senior vice president and general manager of brands at Fruit of the Loom, Inc.; Simin Gharib Lee, M.D., cardiologist and founder and CEO of Systole Health; Gerald Marx, M.D., senior associate of cardiology at Boston Children’s Hospital; Rachel Robinson, chief operating officer at MassMEDIC; and Benjamin K. Stephen, director of M&A advisory services at PwC.
Returning board members are Laura Angelini, partner at Hinckley Allen; Emelia Benjamin, M.D., interim associate dean for faculty development and Louise Coffman professor at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine; Ami Bhatt, M.D., chief innovation officer at the American College of Cardiology; Barry Greene; Traci Hong, associate professor of media science at Boston University; Michael Jorgensen, managing director at Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport; Thomas Lee, senior partner at Zozimus; Linda S. Lennox, vice president of corporate communications and chief of staff at Lantheus; and Olivia Lew, chief operating officer at Casana.
In addition, Abbott has been named president-elect; Lee will serve as immediate past chair; Marx as Cor Vitae Society ambassador; and Stephen as leadership development chair.
“The American Heart Association is fortunate to have an extraordinary group of volunteer leaders who bring deep expertise, passion and a shared commitment to improving heart and brain health across Greater Boston,” said Karen Whitefield, executive director of the American Heart Association in Greater Boston. “With cardiovascular disease remaining the leading cause of death, this board will play a critical role in advancing lifesaving research, expanding access to care and building healthier communities.”
The Greater Boston Board of Directors supports the American Heart Association’s mission through strategic leadership, community engagement, advocacy efforts and fundraising initiatives that fuel research and local health impact programs.
For more information about the American Heart Association in Greater Boston, visit heart.org/Massachusetts.
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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:
Chris Camire:
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
