GREENSBORO, NC, March 27, 2024 — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on ensuring longer, healthier lives for all, has named Preston Hammock as the 2024 Triad Heart Challenge Chair. Preston Hammock is the regional president of the Greensboro market and senior vice president of Cone Health. In his chair role, Hammock is charged with raising $650,000 to support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association.
As Triad Heart Challenge chairman, Hammock will lead, encourage and oversee broad, elevated conversations about employee health, corporate engagement, community health and community transformation. Together, with a team of regional executives, he will engage local companies and organizations to take part in the Triad Heart Walk.
“I grew up here and this is my home,” shared Hammock. “It is important to me to dedicate my time and passion to improving lives in our community, especially when the opportunity is something as significant as cardiovascular disease. Professionally and personally, I firmly believe that when we collaborate, we are far more capable of producing meaningful outcomes than any of us can achieve alone. Leading this campaign means helping people in our community live longer, healthier lives.”
The American Heart Association’s Heart Challenge® is a suite of activities and initiatives designed to help companies positively impact employee overall health and well-being. The program is anchored in a series of customizable workplace events that inspire employees to be more engaged, reconnect with colleagues, be physically activity, support a great cause and have a lot of fun doing it.
The Triad Heart Challenge culminates with the Triad Heart Walk, which is now in its 30th year. The Heart Walk, which will be held on October 5, 2024 at Triad Park in Kernersville, unites the community in celebrating health and honoring survivors. Hammock will be joined by other like-minded city executives working to increase physical and mental health, combat burnout and promote community engagement.
The Triad Heart Walk executive committee members include:
- Jackie Allen, VP, Care Management, MedCost
- Robert Braiman, Principal/Managing Director, Cogent Analytics
- Dr. Goldie Byrd, Director, Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Wake Forest University School of Medicine
- Rashad Collins, AVP, Mortgage Services, Bank of America
- Blaine Dudley, Sr. Manager, Global Business Development, TE Connectivity
- Brent Hampton, Chief Executive Officer, Century Products
- Daniel Hood, Vice President/Principal, HICAPS
- Dr. Brad Jordan, Chief Executive Officer, Select Specialty Hospital
- Heath Martin, Chief Executive Officer, Stake Center Locating
- Megan Mather, Director, Consumer Services, UnitedHealthcare
- Greg Stump, Area Vice President, The Budd Group
- Marc Trigilio, Head, Legal Crop Protection, Syngenta
- Bryan Vaughn, SVP for Hospitals and Health Systems, LabCorp
In addition to the Heart Walk, companies may choose to host a Company Field Day, which helps to incorporate play into work while raising critical funds to end heart disease and stroke. Whether in the company office or home offices, employees participate in fun physical and mental challenges providing the opportunity for meaningful social connections and play breaks during the workday to help combat burnout and alleviate stress.
The funds raised at all Heart Challenge events fund the mission of the American Heart Association to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives while supporting critical cardiovascular research and community impact priorities.
To learn more about engaging your workforce in Heart Challenge events, or to join Hammock and other area executives, visit www.TriadHeartWalk.org or contact TriadNC@heart.org for more information.
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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 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:
Sarah Fedele: Sarah.Fedele@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org