Owen Billman to Chair the Greater Washington Region Heart Walk 

Local business leaders Owen Billman and Jeff Bosick will team up to drive donations, registrations and awareness about the Heart Walk and the American Heart Association 

Owen Billman, president of Blake Real Estate and Chair of the 2024 Greater Washington Region Heart Walk 

Owen Billman, president of Blake Real Estate and past leadership development chair for the American Heart Association (AHA) Greater Washington Region Board of Directors, has been named chair of the 2024 Greater Washington Region Heart Walk, a signature event helping the AHA save and improve lives in its second century. Billman will support fundraising, recruitment and community outreach for the event. 

“On AHA’s centennial year, I’m proud to chair this iconic event. The Heart Walk can galvanize your workforce and promote health. I have seen first-hand positive results in our work with the AHA on year-round education opportunities for our employees that boost engagement and well-being and culminate in a grand celebration,” said Billman. 

Jeff Bosick, vice president for the Health IT Division for Leidos will serve as the Executives with Heart chair for the event. This campaign engages regional leaders and companies to support the Heart Walk and raise $675,000 as well as recruit 100 or more participating executives. 

Jeff Bosick, vice president for the Health IT Division for Leidos and Executives with Heart Chair 

“I’m here today because my wife took action and performed CPR when I had a cardiac arrest. I beat the odds; bystander CPR happens less than half the time in situations like mine,” said Bosick. “Through the Heart Walk and the Executives with Heart campaigns, we hope to expand CPR knowledge and readiness and raise funds for the AHA’s lifesaving mission.”  

 
On November 2, 2024, thousands of walkers will take crucial steps to fund research that saves lives, advances equitable health for all and boosts the health and well-being of people across the Greater Washington Region and around the world. The Heart Walk will take place at the National Mall in Washington, DC. The festival area opens around 8:30 am, opening ceremonies begin at 9:30 am and the Walk starts at 10 am. 

Walkers gather on the National Mall for the 2023 Greater Washington Region Heart Walk 

The Heart Walk brings together a community of committed survivors, donors, advocates and volunteers. Billman and Bosick are joined by a team of local executives who share in our vision to fight against heart disease and stroke, improve physical activity and wellness and promote CPR readiness through the AHA’s Nation of Lifesavers. This Executive Leadership Team includes:  

  • Cynthia Cifuentes, Kaiser Permanente 
  • Linda Gooden, Gooden, LLC 
  • Ken Hofgesang, SAIC 
  • Dr. Ameya Kulkarni, Kaiser Permanente 
  • Tom O’Donohoe, Digital Realty 
  • Mike Pittsman, DAVIS Construction 
  • Vicki Schmanske, Leidos 
  • Dr. Cedric Sims, MITRE 
  • Lauren Sipple, KPMG 

The event brings thousands of people together each year for a beautiful 1- or 3-mile walk among the monuments. Festivities include live fitness demonstrations, fun for your four-legged best friends including a pet party and parade, Hands-Only CPR demonstrations, special activities for our youngest walkers in the Kids Zone and more. There is truly something for everyone. 

All funds raised from the Heart Walk go towards the AHA’s work to advance health and hope for all as it enters its second century of saving and improving lives. Last year’s Heart Walk hosted over 100 companies and 570 teams, raising over $1.9 million.   

Thank you to our 2024 Heart Walk sponsors including:  

  • Sheehy Auto Stores 
  • Kaiser Permanente 
  • Blake Real Estate 
  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield  
  • Leidos 
  • Peraton 
  • SAIC 
  • Van Metre  
  • Amgen 
  • Booz Allen Hamilton 
  • Burness  
  • DAVIS Construction  
  • Deloitte 
  • Ernst & Young 
  • KPMG  
  • MITRE 
  • RSI 
  • Shoppers Food (in-kind donor) 
  • WASH-FM (media sponsor) 

To learn more, become a sponsor, or register a team for the Walk, visit GreaterWashingtonHeartWalk.org