HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 12, 2026 — A Mechanicsburg-based executive has come out on top of a seven-week competition to raise funds and spread awareness of cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 killer in the United States. Over the course of the campaign, Marisa Tokarsky, senior manager at Deloitte Consulting, emerged as a driving force in transforming heart health, earning the title of this year’s South Central Pennsylvania 2026 Leaders of Impact Winner.
Through Leaders of Impact®, nominees educated the community through gatherings, fitness classes and social networking, advocated for access to care and raised critical funds to advance the American Heart Association's mission of being a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone, everywhere. In South Central Pennsylvania, their support fuels the American Heart Association’s efforts to strengthen CPR training, improve blood pressure management and make it easier for everyone to access fresh, healthy food. This year’s South Central Pennsylvania Leaders of Impact nominees raised a combined $24,016.
“Taking part in Leaders of Impact was personal for me and my family,” said Tokarsky. “I support the American Heart Association because it advances research, education and care for individuals with Down syndrome and congenital heart defects, like my brother, helping them live healthier lives and thrive. For my brother, Michael, and others with Down syndrome, organizations like the American Heart Association make that possible.”
Leaders of Impact launched on Sept. 17 ran through Nov. 4 in cities across the nation. South Central Pennsylvania nominees included Tokarsky and Angela Esh, corporate sales manager at Eden Resorts and Suites in Lancaster.
For more information about the Heart of South Central Pennsylvania, visit www.heart.org/southcentralpaheartball.
###
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:
Larissa Bedrick, larissa.bedrick@heart.org,
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
