The American Heart Association (AHA), a globally recognized leader in cardiovascular health research and advocacy, has announced its new volunteer leadership for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Starting July 1, 2026, Dr. Manesh R. Patel, an interventional cardiologist based in North Carolina, will assume the role of volunteer president. Dr. Patel’s appointment marks a significant moment for the organization, reflecting its continuous commitment to advancing cardiovascular and brain health through scientific innovation and community impact. Concurrently, Lee A. Shapiro, a health technology financial expert from Florida, will continue his service as volunteer chairperson of the national board of directors for the second year of his two-year term, bringing invaluable governance oversight to the organization.
Dr. Manesh R. Patel stands as a towering figure in cardiology, holding multiple senior leadership positions at Duke Health, including chief of cardiology, chief of clinical pharmacology, and vice president of heart and vascular services. His academic roles at Duke University School of Medicine further underscore his scientific stature as the Richard Stack Distinguished Professor of Medicine and as a senior investigator at the Duke Clinical Research Institute. Dr. Patel’s expertise lies not only in clinical intervention but also in translational research, integrating physiology, pharmacology, and innovative therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes in cardiovascular disease. Over the years, his involvement with the American Heart Association has been extensive, having served on numerous scientific councils and led the Committee on Scientific Sessions Program. His recognition as AHA Physician of the Year in 2023 reflects his outstanding contributions to cardiovascular medicine and research.
Lee A. Shapiro’s leadership within the American Heart Association introduces a strategic lens to the organization’s board governance. As managing partner at 7wire Ventures, a prominent health technology investment firm he co-founded, Shapiro brings keen insight into the intersection of investment, innovation, and healthcare delivery. His stewardship as volunteer chairperson focuses on governance structures essential for scaling the Association’s mission-based programs efficiently. Notably, Shapiro and his wife, Valerie, have also been pivotal in fundraising campaigns such as the Heart of Chicago Heart Ball and the “Millions Honoring Moms” campaign, fostering donor engagement and community participation to enhance women’s heart health awareness nationwide.
The volunteer leadership team is further strengthened by Linda Gooden, MBA, who serves as volunteer chairperson-elect. A retired executive from the aerospace and defense sectors, Gooden’s leadership capabilities have been demonstrated through fiscal oversight and governance roles, including her tenure as treasurer of the AHA and chair of its audit committee. Her interdisciplinary experience amalgamates operational excellence with mission-centered leadership, preparing her to seamlessly transition into the chairperson role in July 2027. Alongside her, Robert H. (Bob) Swan, MBA, serves as volunteer treasurer. Currently an operating partner at the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, Swan advises growth-stage companies, bringing critical expertise to the fiduciary responsibilities entrusted to the Association’s financial governance.
Svati H. Shah, MD, MHS, FAHA, as the incoming volunteer president-elect, bridges cutting-edge scientific inquiry with clinical translation in cardiovascular medicine. Dr. Shah’s research emphasis on cardiometabolic genetics and precision health is at the forefront of efforts to unravel the complex interplay of genetics, environment, and metabolic pathways in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis. Her academic leadership—as Ursula Geller Distinguished Professor of Research in Cardiovascular Diseases, associate dean for translational research, and director of centers dedicated to precision health and genomics at Duke University—positions her uniquely to guide the AHA’s evolving scientific agenda. Dr. Shah’s extensive volunteer service within the AHA, especially as chair of the Research Committee and the Genomic and Precision Medicine Council, highlights her pivotal role in shaping the future research priorities of the Association.
The American Heart Association’s volunteer leadership embodies a rich tapestry of expertise encompassing clinical medicine, scientific research, business strategy, and governance. This confluence of skills is critical as the organization navigates the complex challenges of cardiovascular disease and stroke, which remain leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. These leaders are tasked with guiding an organization that not only pioneers novel scientific discoveries but also implements evidence-based solutions to improve heart health equity on a global scale. Their collective mission is to foster environments where breakthrough research can translate swiftly into improved clinical practices and public health interventions.
One of the core strengths of the AHA lies in its dynamic engagement model, which leverages over 35 million volunteers worldwide. This global network fuels the Association’s efforts in funding research, shaping health policy, and disseminating lifesaving education. Under the stewardship of its new volunteer leadership, the American Heart Association will continue to intensify initiatives aimed at addressing health disparities, supporting innovation in cardiovascular medicine, and empowering individuals to lead healthier lives. This focus is particularly relevant as advancements in genomics and personalized medicine reshape the therapeutic landscape for cardiovascular diseases.
The fiscal year 2026-27 leadership structure reaffirms the AHA’s commitment to stewardship, transparency, and mission-driven impact. Maintaining governance best practices ensures that donor resources are maximized to support critical research and public health programs. Under Shapiro’s continued chairmanship, paired with Gooden’s oversight as chairperson-elect and Swan’s financial stewardship, the board ensures the Association’s business affairs are managed with rigor and integrity, providing a stable foundation for scientific and community initiatives to flourish.
Dr. Patel’s scientific presidency heralds an era where clinical pharmacology and interventional cardiology synergize to optimize treatments for atherosclerosis, heart failure, arrhythmias, and other cardiovascular conditions. His leadership signals a renewed emphasis on integrating cutting-edge research findings into clinical protocols that directly improve patient care. Similarly, Dr. Shah’s tenure as president-elect will accelerate the translation of genomic discoveries into actionable clinical tools, positioning the AHA as a leader in precision cardiovascular medicine.
In an environment where cardiovascular disease continues to pose immense global health challenges, the American Heart Association’s leadership team is uniquely poised to harness scientific innovation and community engagement. Their collective efforts aim to reduce the burden of heart disease and stroke through cross-sector collaboration, robust advocacy, and groundbreaking research. As trusted authorities in public health information—as evidenced by strong public confidence in AHA—this volunteer cadre champions the dissemination of reliable, evidence-based guidance.
Nancy Brown, CEO of the AHA, highlights the indispensable role volunteer leaders play in shaping the Association’s future. The synergy between dedicated volunteers and professional staff drives momentum towards achieving a world where longer, healthier lives are a reality for all, irrespective of demographics or geography. As the organization navigates the complexities and opportunities of the 21st century, its volunteer leadership represents a beacon of expertise, vision, and commitment.
The fiscal year’s leadership announcement underscores a pivotal moment in the continuum of American Heart Association’s evolution. It reflects sustained investment in governance excellence and a strategic focus on scientific leadership that spans diverse domains—from cardiology practice to health technology entrepreneurship. Within this framework, the Association remains a preeminent force in research funding, advocacy, and public education, driving advances that improve cardiovascular outcomes and save lives on a global scale.
By fostering an integrated approach that unites clinical skills, research innovation, financial acumen, and governance best practices, the newly appointed volunteer leaders of the American Heart Association ensure the organization remains adaptive, resilient, and impactful. Their stewardship guarantees that future generations will benefit from extraordinary advances in cardiovascular health, aligned with the Association’s uncompromising mission to combat heart disease and stroke through relentless science and service.
Subject of Research: Cardiovascular disease research, health technology, genomics, clinical pharmacology, and precision medicine.
Article Title: New Volunteer Leadership at the American Heart Association Pioneers the Future of Cardiovascular Science and Health Equity
News Publication Date: July 1, 2026
Web References:
– https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/manesh-patel
– https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/lee-shapiro
– https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/linda-gooden
– https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/bob-swan
– https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/svati-shah
– https://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/stark-divide-americans-more-confident-in-career-scientists-at-u-s-health-agencies-than-leaders/
Keywords: American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, clinical pharmacology, genomic medicine, health technology, heart health equity, volunteer leadership, precision health, translational research, cardiovascular research funding, health advocacy
