Local volunteers receive national honor

Local volunteers are getting some national recognition. Members of the Syracuse American Heart Association (AHA) advisory board are being honored by the national AHA for their work to improve the heart health of Central New York.

The Syracuse advisory board was recently recognized at the silver level of the organization’s “Gold Standard Board” program for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. The honor recognizes board members for helping the AHA in its mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

The accomplishment reflects the excellence and dedication of our volunteer leaders here in Central New York,” said Franklin Fry, Executive Director of the Greater Syracuse American Heart Association. “This award expresses the American Heart Association’s appreciation for the countless hours and the boundless energy that our board members bring to our mission. None of our achievements would be possible without them.”

With the help of these high-level volunteers, the American Heart Association is leading the way in efforts to improve the health of Central New York through programs like Growing Healthy Hearts with St. Joseph’s Health and the Syracuse School District aimed at fighting childhood obesity; Loving Myself, Loving My Sisters, which brings together several groups focused on the heart health of the Syracuse African-American community; the Check It! CNY blood pressure monitoring program and advocacy efforts, including helping Onondaga County pass Tobacco 21 legislation before New York State.

This is the eighth consecutive year the Syracuse board has been recognized in this program. This extraordinary achievement is a legacy from late board chairman, James Jerose.

Board members in the 2018-2019 fiscal year are:

• Chairwoman Angela Franco, Fust Charles Chambers LLP
• President Riya Chacko, MD, Crouse Health
• Lisa Dunn Alford, Onondaga County
• Bob Allen, Crouse Health
• Luis Castro, MD, St. Joseph’s Health
• Todd Cross, Syracuse Crunch Hockey Club
• Troy Hogue, AMR
• Brian A Howard, Tompkins Financial Advisors
• Mary King, Hancock Estabrook
• Satish Krishnamurthy, MD, MCh, Upstate Medical University
• Al Marzullo, IBEW Local 43
• Rita Reicher, Ph. D.
• Randy Sabourin, Metro Fitness Clubs
• Samuel Stamps, C&S Companies
• Peggy A. Thomas, MSN, RN, St. Joseph’s Health
• Fanny Villarreal, YWCA – Girls, Inc.
• Duane Wiedor, Hillrom
• Monique Wright-Williams, Syracuse City School District