FORT WORTH, Texas, August 15, 2023 — Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in Tarrant County. Sam Kang, President of Schwab Charitable™, one of the largest national providers of donor-advised funds and other philanthropic resources, is working hand-in-hand with the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all. Kang will serve as chair for the 2023-2024 Tarrant County Heart Challenge™, a community campaign focused on engaging local companies, corporations and their employees to join the fight against heart disease and stroke. 

Kang, who has been involved with the American Heart Association in Tarrant County, Texas since 2021 and is part of the Executive Leadership Team for the organization, is focused on serving his community and supporting charitable causes. He holds the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) designation and is an Executive Sponsor for the Charles Schwab Community Ambassadors Team in Westlake, Texas.

“My passion for philanthropy stems from the challenges and opportunities my family has been dealt,” said Kang. “Heart health has affected my family personally, bringing this cause to the forefront of my philanthropy. When this opportunity arose, I knew I wanted to empower the American Heart Association community in Tarrant County to help educate families and save lives.”

As chair of the Heart Challenge™, Kang will lead a team of nine Tarrant County executives to recruit companies and organizations to take part in various Heart Challenge™ initiatives including Heart Walk®, Field Day, and Executives with Heart. Through these initiatives, the leadership team and supporting organizations will raise funds for the American Heart Association while leading action-oriented conversations about employee health, corporate engagement, community health and community transformation. 

Also serving in leadership roles on the Heart Challenge™ Executive Leadership Team are, Michael Cawood, Community Volunteer; Herd Midkiff, President, JTaylor; Scott Sandlin, President, Sandlin Homes; Jordan Jayson, President & CEO, US Energy Development Corp; Kendal Cathey, Med Center Business Development Director,  Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospitals; Daniel Vance, Managing Director, KPMG; Dr. Marcelo Cavazos, Retired - Superintendent of Arlington ISD; Ben Coogan, CEO, Medical City Healthcare and Cyndi Wallace, VP -Finance, Sandlin Homes.  These engaged corporate leaders will help facilitate meaningful, personal gifts to support the American Heart Association’s 2024 Impact Goal.

“We are incredibly grateful for these leaders who are stepping up to move the needle when it comes to heart disease and stroke” said Corrie Harris, American Heart Association Executive Director for Tarrant County, “Through the various Heart Challenge initiatives, we can drive maximum impact through employee engagement and corporate fundraising. Together, we can save lives right here in Tarrant County.

Heart disease and stroke are largely preventable and how you eat, move and manage stress impacts your well-being, physically and mentally. Heart Challenge™ provides resources, tools and activities to support both mental and physical well-being for employers and employees. 

For more information about Heart Challenge™ or to get your company involved, contact Corrie Harris at Corrie.Harris@heart.org or visit TarrantCountyHeartWalk.org

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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, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries:

Lindsey Lyons: 469-499-6408, Lindsey.Lyons@heart.org

M: 469-499-6408

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org