Wilmington, DE, Dec. 1, 2024 — For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through the Delaware Heart Ball campaign, Joy A. Barrist, volunteer chairperson and partner at Potter Anderson & Corroon LLP, will lead community-wide efforts to ensure every individual in Delaware has the opportunity for a full, healthy life. The Heart Ball celebrates hope and progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association’s efforts to make an impact on the health of the community. These efforts include the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery, public policy change, equitable health for the under-resourced and underrepresented, and education to equip the community to take control of their health.

“Joy demonstrates outstanding leadership and a passion for the American Heart Association’s mission,” says James Murphy, executive director of the Delaware American Heart Association. “Her deep understanding of community needs, and unwavering drive to make a difference position her as the perfect choice to chair this campaign.”

Joy A. Barrist is a partner at Potter Anderson & Corroon LLP in Wilmington. She leads the commercial real estate practice and chairs the firm’s Women’s Initiative, providing clients with a full range of commercial real estate legal services, including guidance in the finance, acquisition, sale, lease and development of real estate projects across the country. She regularly represents banks and lending institutions, private equity firms, investors, developers, owners, management companies, landlords, tenants and non-profit organizations. Joy received her J.D. from Villanova University School of Law and is a Fellow in both the American College of Mortgage Attorneys and the American College of Real Estate Lawyers. She is a frequent speaker on commercial real estate topics, both locally and nationally. Outside of her legal practice, Joy donates her time to several community organizations, including I Am My Sister’s Keeper, Reach Riverside, Jumpstart Wilmington and, of course, the American Heart Association.

“I am honored to serve as the 2025 Delaware Heart Ball Chair,” said Barrist. “As a lifelong advocate for community health and well-being, I am eager to work with our outstanding team of volunteers and the American Heart Association to drive change by removing barriers to health, investing in groundbreaking research, delivering impactful health education and advocating for healthy policies. It takes a village to make a lasting impact, and we must do whatever it takes to create a better tomorrow for all people in Wilmington.”

The 2025 Delaware Heart Ball is sponsored by [insert top sponsors] and will be held on May 2 at the Hotel DuPont in Wilmington. The annual event is a night to celebrate the Association’s year-round efforts to break down barriers to health in the community. Throughout the evening, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health, will honor volunteers and patrons, feature stories of survivors and entertain guests with dinner, dancing and an exciting auction. For more information on how to support or attend the Wilmington Heart Ball, visit www.heart.org/delawarehb  or contact Ellen Vild at ellen.vild@heart.org.

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 a century. During 2024—our Centennial year—we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact, our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X, or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries:
Athena Kerstanski Moustakas

Athena.kerstanskimoustakas@heart.org

For Public Inquiries:
1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org