ATLANTA - March 12, 2024 — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit focused on heart and brain health for all, names Paul Donahue, chairman and chief executive officer of Genuine Parts Company (GPC), the 2024 Heart of Atlanta honoree of the Atlanta Heart Ball.
The Heart of Atlanta Honoree award is presented each year by the American Heart Association to a community leader who has enhanced the quality of life by transforming the health and well-being of residents in the metro Atlanta. “Paul has been an exemplary leader and role model for the metro Atlanta community, positively impacting countless individuals while mentoring many aspiring business professionals and community leaders,” said Jim Hannan, 2024 Atlanta Heart Ball chairman and president and chief operating officer of Koch Industries, Inc. “While he works humbly behind the scenes to enhance the well-being of our community, you can see the impact of his commitment throughout Atlanta. Paul is most well-deserving of being this year’s Heart of Atlanta honoree for the 100th anniversary of the American Heart Association.
Currently, Donahue is involved in numerous community organizations in the Atlanta area and business organizations nationally. Since he joined GPC more than two decades ago, he has ensured that GPC upholds its commitment to good corporate citizenship by supporting community well-being through corporate financial contributions, staff fundraising, and volunteerism.
Donahue’s personal connection to heart disease has fueled his passion for health and wellness and supporting the mission of the American Heart Association. Under his leadership, GPC has been committed to raising awareness of cardiovascular disease and stroke as well as advocating for equitable health.
"Being honored in the centennial year of the American Heart Association is both humbling and inspiring,” said Donahue. “The Association’s mission has resonated with all of us at GPC and fueled a commitment to health and wellness. By aligning the shared values of GPC and the Association, we can amplify the impact to combat heart disease and ensure our communities are healthy and thriving. The true honorees of this recognition are GPC’s 60,000 teammates who help raise awareness and funds for this vital mission.”
The Atlanta Heart Ball is a celebration aimed at driving equitable health in metro Atlanta. Through the Heart Ball, funds are raised to support the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives for all and supports priority issues in Atlanta. High blood pressure, CPR education, maternal health, nutrition security, as well as tobacco and the youth vaping crisis, have been identified by the metro Atlanta board support the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal by reducing barriers to health care access and quality.
For more information about the American Heart Association, visit Heart.org/Georgia.
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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, 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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Erin Thomas; Erin.Thomas@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org