Leadership from three area companies are coming together to invest their time and talent with the American Heart Association to address the leading health threats in the Tennessee Valley – cardiovascular disease and stroke.  Executive leadership from Unum, BB&T and Keller Williams will chair association events throughout the year that will raise funds for heart disease and stroke research and education.

The newly appointed volunteer leaders share a mutual commitment to improving the health and wellness of Chattanoogans and changing the fact that one in three Americans die of cardiovascular disease and stroke. 

Chantelle Roberson, assistant vice president and senior regulatory counsel at Unum will chair the upcoming Chattanooga Heart Walk taking place Oct. 26 at AT&T Field. The Heart Walk is a celebration of the year-long campaign, an opportunity for walkers and the community to learn about living a healthy lifestyle including exercise, adding color to their diet and relieving stress.  The event also honors cardiovascular disease and stroke survivors.

Caroline Walker, market president at BB&T will serve as chair of the Heart Ball happening Feb. 8, 2020 at The Chattanoogan Hotel.  The Chattanooga Heart Ball is known for having one of the best live and silent auctions in the region, offering unique experiences and one-of-a-kind items, said officials.  The 2020 Heart Ball will include the second annual Pulse Party for young professionals.

Mark Hite of the Mark Hite Team, Keller Williams will lead the 2020 Chattanooga Go Red for Women Luncheon campaign.  The luncheon, scheduled for May 8, 2020 at The Chattanooga Trade and Convention Center, and Chattanooga Go Red for Women movement, will raise funds and awareness for women’s heart and brain health.

The American Heart Association, whose mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, is working across Tennessee and the nation to raise awareness and improve the rates of high blood pressure, address the increased risk of stroke, ensure access to quality healthcare and fund research that could be a lifesaving breakthrough to treat or cure heart disease and stroke.

These three leaders will help the 95-year-old national charity organization drive toward transformative change in the region, said officials.  The chairs have built Executive Leadership Teams comprised of local business and community leaders for each event that will spearhead the local event logistics and fundraising efforts. 

“We are at a crossroads for improving the health of our community,” said Emily Fuller, executive director, American Heart Association. “Our region has a high prevalence of heart disease and is part of the ‘stroke belt’, an area across the southeastern U.S. where the risk of stroke is considerably higher. Having such dedicated leaders involved with our organizations mission will be instrumental in helping achieve meaningful health and well-being improvements for the people of Chattanooga and across Tennessee.”

To learn more about the American Heart Association and how you can become part of the mission to end heart disease and stroke, visit heart.org/chattanooga.