Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
July 01, 2026
American Heart Association Names New Volunteer Leaders for 2026-27
TLDR
- American Heart Association's new leaders bring expertise in cardiology and finance, offering strategic advantages for health outcomes.
- The AHA named Dr. Manesh Patel as president and Lee Shapiro as chair, with roles defined for governance and research leadership.
- These volunteer leaders aim to advance equitable cardiovascular and brain health, improving lives globally for everyone.
- Dr. Patel, a Duke cardiologist, was named AHA Physician of the Year in 2023 before becoming president.
Impact - Why it Matters
This leadership change matters because the American Heart Association is a pivotal force in cardiovascular and brain health research, advocacy, and community programs. The new volunteer leaders—experts in cardiology, health technology, business strategy, and genetics—will shape the organization's priorities, potentially influencing funding for groundbreaking research, public health policies, and patient care initiatives. Their decisions can directly affect millions of people at risk of heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death globally. For readers, this means continued trust in a leading health organization and hope for advancements in prevention, treatment, and equitable health access.
Summary
The American Heart Association (AHA), a global force in cardiovascular and brain health, has announced its volunteer leadership for fiscal year 2026-27, effective July 1, 2026. Manesh R. Patel, M.D., FAHA, an interventional cardiologist from North Carolina, will serve as the new volunteer president. Lee A. Shapiro, J.D., a financial expert in health technology from Florida, continues as volunteer chairperson of the board for the second year of his term. Other key officers include Linda Gooden, M.B.A., as chairperson-elect, and Robert H. (Bob) Swan, M.B.A., as treasurer, both continuing their two-year terms. Svati H. Shah, M.D., M.H.S., FAHA, a physician-scientist specializing in cardiometabolic genetics, will serve as president-elect. These leaders bring extensive experience in medicine, research, business, and governance, aiming to advance the AHA's mission of equitable health for all.
Dr. Patel, chief of cardiology at Duke Health and a distinguished professor, has been a longtime AHA volunteer and was named Physician of the Year in 2023. As president, he will lead scientific and medical efforts. Shapiro, managing partner at 7wire Ventures, continues to oversee governance and business affairs. His and his wife's leadership in the Heart of Chicago Heart Ball and the Millions Honoring Moms campaign has significantly boosted fundraising for women's heart health. Gooden, a retired Lockheed Martin executive, will prepare to assume the chairperson role in 2027. Swan, an operating partner at Andreessen Horowitz, manages the AHA's funds. Dr. Shah, a Duke professor and director of precision health centers, will support innovation and scientific discovery.
The AHA CEO Nancy Brown expressed gratitude for these dedicated volunteers, emphasizing their role in advancing health and hope. The AHA remains a trusted source of health information, with a recent Annenberg Policy Center poll showing 82% of U.S. adults confident in the organization. The AHA's work, supported by over 35 million volunteers globally, includes groundbreaking research, advocacy, and resources to combat cardiovascular disease and stroke. For more details, visit the original release on NEWMEDIAWIRE.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by NewMediaWire. Read the original source here, American Heart Association Names New Volunteer Leaders for 2026-27
