American Heart Association Announces New Volunteer Leadership for 2026-27

The American Heart Association has announced its volunteer leadership for the fiscal year 2026-27, effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Manesh R. Patel, an interventional cardiologist from North Carolina, will serve as the new volunteer president, while Lee A. Shapiro, a Florida-based health technology financial expert, continues as volunteer chairperson of the board for the second year of a two-year term. Other officers include Linda Gooden as volunteer chairperson-elect and Robert H. Swan as volunteer treasurer, both continuing two-year terms, and Dr. Svati H. Shah as volunteer president-elect.

Dr. Patel, chief of cardiology and vice president of heart and vascular services at Duke Health, brings extensive experience as a longtime American Heart Association volunteer, having chaired the Committee on Scientific Sessions Program and received the 2023 Physician of the Year award. As volunteer president, he will serve as the lead volunteer scientific and medical officer, advancing priorities in research, science, and patient care. Shapiro, managing partner at 7wire Ventures, continues to oversee governance of the Association's business affairs as board chairperson. He and his wife have been instrumental in the Heart of Chicago Heart Ball and the Millions Honoring Moms campaign, which has significantly boosted fundraising for women's heart health.

Gooden, retired executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Corporation, previously served as treasurer and chaired the audit committee. As chairperson-elect, she will prepare to assume the board chair role on July 1, 2027. Swan, operating partner at Andreessen Horowitz, brings venture capital and operations expertise as treasurer, responsible for governance of the Association's funds and securities. Dr. Shah, associate dean for translational research at Duke University School of Medicine, will support the Association's focus on innovation and scientific discovery as president-elect.

“The American Heart Association’s strength has always come from extraordinary volunteer leaders who bring vision, expertise and a deep commitment to our mission,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. “We are grateful to continue to benefit from Lee Shapiro’s leadership as volunteer chairperson and welcome Dr. Manesh Patel as our new volunteer president, along with the other dedicated members of our volunteer board of directors. Together, these leaders will help us build on our momentum to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere.”

This leadership announcement is significant for Texas and beyond, as the Association's work directly impacts cardiovascular and brain health. With over 35 million volunteers globally, the organization funds groundbreaking research and advocates for public health. According to a recent Annenberg Policy Center poll, more than 8 in 10 U.S. adults trust the American Heart Association for reliable health information, second only to their personal healthcare provider. The new leadership team will guide efforts to ensure equitable health in all communities, a mission that resonates strongly in Texas, where heart disease remains a leading cause of death. For more information, visit heart.org.