Southwest Florida, July 12, 2024 – The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, has announced new officers to serve on the Southeast Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 fiscal year including Southwest Florida community leader Shelly Church, who retired as Senior Vice President of Investments at Raymond James Financial in 2022.
Shelly Church, CFP and Dr. Sandra Burke will continue as chair and president of the board respectively for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Other members include new chair-elect Alexander Almazan, president-elect Dr. Andre McShan, and new board members Neal Blinde, Lance Zingale, Dr. Gul Dadlani, Kristen Gradney, Dr. Michael Hall, Dr. Adrian Hernandez, and Dr. Daniel Muñoz.
Shelly Church lost her son Kyle at the age of 18 to heart disease and has since been a longtime advocate for the mission of the Association, sitting on both the regional and local boards and serving in numerous leadership roles over the years, including Southwest Florida Chairman’s Board President, Heart Walk Chair, and Southwest Florida Heart Ball Open Your Heart Chair. She has been a top fundraiser for the Collier County Heart Walk every year and has personally raised more than $1.5M over the last two decades to honor Kyle’s memory. Shelly initiated the first “RED OUT” in Collier County at Naples High School to promote heart health awareness at a basketball game each January, underwriting the cost of the event, and helped launch the national Go Red for Women campaign in the southwest Florida market over a decade ago.
“It is an honor to serve another year on the Southeast regional board,” Church said. “As a long-time volunteer with the American Heart Association, continuing the mission of AHA has been at the forefront of my ideal goals. It is an exciting time to be part of the AHA Second Century. I look forward to reaching all communities within the Southeast”.
During her first year as chair, Shelly visited several metro boards in the Southeast region to help bring awareness of the Association’s national mission to the local communities. She will continue her visits this year, connecting with more local volunteers. In addition, she will help lead the regional board priorities around brand awareness, community impact, and volunteer engagement.
The American Heart Association Southeast region services Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Puerto Rico.
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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:
Janeth P. Castrejon: janeth.castrejon@heart.org
heart.org and stroke.org