Volunteer leaders champion longer, healthier lives across Washington

SEATTLE, July 15, 2026 — With cardiovascular disease projected to affect more than 6 in 10 U.S. adults by 2050, volunteer leaders from health care, business and the community are helping guide efforts to improve heart and brain health here in Washington. The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, has named its incoming Washington board of directors for the 2026-27 fiscal year, which began July 1. The roster features two new members and will be guided by the following volunteer leaders, who will have a particular focus on advancing the Association’s work around prevention, access to care and community health.  

Chad Brown | Board Chair 

Chad Brown is the founder and chief executive officer of CommEx Advisors. A sudden cardiac arrest survivor, Brown is a passionate advocate for CPR education and the Association’s Nation of Lifesavers  initiative. He also champions efforts to improve the health and well-being of younger people through Association programs such as the Kids Heart Challenge, American Heart Challenge and Teen of Impact. As board chair, Brown will help guide statewide strategy and philanthropic support to advance the Association's mission. 

Susie Woo, M.D., FACC | Board President  

Dr. Susie Woo is a cardiologist at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. She is passionate about heart disease prevention and care, especially among women, and was part of the 2022 Washington Go Red for Women Ambassador class. As board president, Dr. Woo will provide clinical leadership and help shape community health priorities across Washington, ensuring the Association’s work continues to meet the most pressing health needs of local communities. 

Carrie Miceli | Leadership Development Chair  

Carrie Miceli, vice president of commercial services at CGI, has held a variety of volunteer leadership positions with the Association locally, including Go Red for Women chair and Women’s Health Council member. As leadership development chair, Miceli will support the recruitment, nomination and succession planning of board members, officers and campaign leaders, helping cultivate a strong pipeline of future volunteer leadership. 

Lee Crain | Giving Societies Ambassador  

Lee Crain is a community volunteer. Before joining the board, Crain was the first-ever Puget Sound  Woman of Impact winner and has supported the organization in numerous volunteer leadership roles, including as Washington’s Go Red for Women Circle of Red chair. As giving societies ambassador, Crain will continue to champion philanthropic giving and help grow the impact of the Cor Vitae Society and Paul Dudley White Legacy Society, expanding support for the Association’s lifesaving mission. 

Serving alongside them on the board of directors this year: 

"These leaders bring expertise, lived experience and a shared commitment to improving heart and brain health across Washington,” said Whitney Meidl, executive director, American Heart Association, Washington. “Their leadership will help expand access to care, support healthier communities and advance efforts to prevent and better treat heart disease and stroke." 

In Washington, the American Heart Association is focused on ensuring everyone has access to quality healthcare, nutritious and culturally relevant foods, blood pressure management tools and CPR skills. Learn more about heart and stroke prevention, find volunteer opportunities in Washington and support local efforts at heart.org/Washington. 

* new board member 

** 2026-27 Board President-Elect 

*** 2026-27 Board Chair-Elect 

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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. In Washington, visit heart.org/Washington, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X.