American Heart Association Announces Adria Giordano as Connecticut Executive Director

The American Heart Association (AHA) is proud to announce Adria Giordano as the Executive Director in Connecticut. The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke funding innovative research, fighting for stronger public health policies, and providing critical tools and information to save and improve lives.

As executive director, Giordano will lead staff and revenue field operations, Connecticut Board development and cultivation, volunteer recruitment and fundraising initiatives to reduce health disparities across Connecticut.

“I am excited to be joining the American Heart Association, a wonderful organization whose mission is very close to my heart,” Giordano said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead our Connecticut team as we work together to expand community awareness, strengthen current partnerships, and continue to build new relationships across the state to continue making a positive impact in the community and save more lives.”

An experienced leader with a passion for developing long-term collaborative partnerships with individuals, businesses, and community organizations to support organizational funding, mission alignment and brand awareness, Adria has more than 20 years working in the nonprofit arena. She has been Associate Vice President at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, the state’s only independent pediatric hospital; and Executive Director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving Hartford CT Chapter. Prior to her work in the nonprofit sector, Adria spent a decade working alongside U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd (D-CT), as his assistant and scheduler, then later as his CT Deputy Finance Director, serving in both his Connecticut and Washington, DC offices.

Most recently serving as Director of Development and Communications at Chrysalis Center, a nonprofit, socially innovative, multiservice organization that serves individuals and their families living in Connecticut, Adria oversaw all aspects of the organization’s philanthropic efforts, internal and external communications, and served as the organization’s spokesperson.

Adria received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Political Science from Simmons University and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy from Bay Path University. She is deeply committed to giving back and an active volunteer in her community, sitting on numerous boards, including The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation; Simmons University Alumni Club of Hartford; Hall High School PTO; and is a regular contributing writer to We-Ha.Com. Adria and her husband, David, live in West Hartford, with their two daughters.