Eric Batch selected to lead American Heart Association effort to expand national advocacy partnerships, outreach

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 3, 2024 — Los Angeles resident and longtime government relations leader Eric Batch has been named National Vice President of Advocacy Outreach and Partnerships for the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all.

In his new role, Batch will build, cultivate, develop and manage key advocacy relationships and collaborations with external partners and diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, community leaders, healthcare professionals and advocacy groups nationwide.

For two decades, Batch led the Association’s advocacy and public policy efforts in its Western Region (Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington). In this capacity, he represented the Association at multiple levels of government and with a variety of coalitions, partners and alliances. Over the years he has led the Heart Association through successful legislative sessions and campaigns at the state and local levels, and he has played a key role in driving public policy around tobacco control, access to care, chain of survival, health equity, healthy eating, active living, heart disease and stroke prevention, and systems of care.

He and his team have successfully led campaigns to remove soda and junk food from schools, launched Clean Indoor Air and Outdoor Air campaigns, worked on successful sugary drink and tobacco taxes, and restricted the sale of menthol tobacco products at the state and local levels. He also advocated for the Affordable Care Act and worked on passing legislation that requires pulse oximetry screening for newborn babies prior to being released from the hospital, as well as measures that provide free lunch and breakfast in schools, and ensure students learn CPR prior to high school graduation. These campaigns have set the stage for innovative new policies that have been subsequently embraced in other areas across the country. 

More recently, Batch has demonstrated leadership beyond the region on the national stage as a featured speaker at in-person and virtual events across the country. He brings extensive experience in navigating governmental structures and establishing fruitful relationships with key stakeholders.

Batch has also helped lead the American Heart Association’s organizational commitment to hold the tobacco industry accountable and executive produced several provocative spoken word pieces to elevate the voice of communities in confronting the tobacco industry, particularly in the Black community.

“As the American Heart Association enters our second century, I’m excited for Eric to take on this national leadership role. We can only achieve our vision of health and hope for everyone, everywhere by working as trusted partners and allies with organizations and individuals,” said Mark Schoeberl, the Association’s executive vice president of advocacy.

“I look forward to broadening the American Heart Association's influence and amplifying our advocacy and public policy initiatives on a national scale,” Batch said.

In addition to his work with the Association, Batch also serves as an associate adjunct professor at the University of Southern California ‘s Sol Price School of Public Policy. Batch received a Master of Public Policy degree from the Sol Price School and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas.  

Batch, who started his new role on July 1, will continue to be based in Los Angeles.

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about the American Heart Association’s Advocacy work
• Follow American Heart Association Advocacy news on X @AmHeartAdvocacy  
• Follow the American Heart Association Southern California on Facebook, Instagram and X.

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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:
Kristine Kelly, kristine.kelly@heart.org

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