The owner of production company ASR Media has been named the 2025 American Heart Association’s Lehigh Valley and Berks Heart Ball chair.
ASR Media’s Owner Ashley Russo has been chosen by the American Heart Association to serve as chairperson of The Heart of Lehigh Valley and Berks Heart Ball. For over a century, the American Heart Association has been dedicated to promoting health and hope for all.
“Ashley exemplifies exceptional leadership and dedication as a media specialist, community advocate, and entrepreneur. Her passion for the American Heart Association’s mission, deep understanding of community needs, and relentless drive to make a difference make her the ideal choice to chair this event,” said Jessica Escobar-Eck, Development Manager for the Lehigh Valley and Berks Heart Ball. “We are thrilled to welcome Ashley to the Heart of Lehigh Valley and Berks initiative, which focuses on critical health issues and strives to improve and save lives equitably.”
The American Heart Association’s mission is particularly close to ASR Media; President Katie Santana lost her father to a heart attack when she was young and is actively involved with the American Heart Association to promote heart health. The Association named Santana as a Lehigh Valley and Berks 2024 Leaders of Impact nominee, recognizing her work to advance health and hope for everyone everywhere through community fundraising and philanthropy.
An Emmy® award-winning executive producer, owner of ASR Media, and CEO of Magnaplate, a family-owned metal coatings company based in Arlington, TX, Russo will spearhead community-wide initiatives to ensure everyone has the opportunity to lead a full, healthy life. In 2023, ASR Media acquired the quarterly publication Fig Lehigh Valley, which tells the stories of small businesses and nonprofits in the Lehigh Valley.
This year, stroll through the picturesque vineyards at Aster Event Center and join us in celebrating the remarkable medical breakthroughs and advancements in heart disease and stroke. The Heart Ball is a tribute to the progress and hope fueled by the unwavering dedication of American Heart Association supporters. This event showcases the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery, advocacy for impactful public policy changes, promotion of equitable health for underserved communities, and educational efforts to empower individuals to take control of their health.
Deeply committed to her community, Russo serves on the boards of the Girl Scouts of Eastern PA (GSEP), the Children’s Home of Easton, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce (GLVCC), and Hospital Central Services, Inc.& Affiliates. She is also an active committee member, supporting the Wildlands Conservancy, Take the Lead Lehigh Valley and Women United, to name just a few. She is a member of the Tugboat Institute and the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s Tocqueville Society. She co-chairs the GSEP Golf for Girl Scouts Annual Fundraiser and the Northampton Community College Food and Wine Gala. In 2022, she and her husband served as co-chairs of the United Way’s Annual Campaign.
The recipient of several leadership awards, Russo has been honored with the LifePath and PICPA Community Service Person of the Year award, Girl Scouts of Eastern PA’s Take the Lead, the United Way’s Community Builder, Philanthropist of the Year from Women United, and GLVCC’s Volunteer of the Year.
“I am honored to chair the 2025 Lehigh Valley and Berks Heart Ball, as it celebrates the American Heart Association’s mission — one close to me both personally and professionally — to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke,” said Russo. “ I hope to raise awareness that engages local companies, organizations and their employees in the fight against heart disease. Just as ASR Media has been working within the community for over 10 years to empower its members to live fully, the Association has spent over 100 years helping people live longer, healthier lives.”
The 2025 Lehigh Valley and Berks Heart Ball, proudly sponsored by General Magnaplate, Lehigh Valley Adult Services, Marquis Health Consulting Services, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Air Products, AList Salon Spa, Lampry Systems, Atlas Advisors, LLC, and Lehigh Valley Health Network, with in-kind support from Countess Communications and media sponsorship from Cumulus Media and WFMZ-TV, will take place on Saturday, February 1 at the Aster Events Center. This annual celebration highlights the American Heart Association’s year-round efforts to eliminate health barriers in the local community. The evening will honor dedicated volunteers and patrons, share inspiring survivor stories, and entertain guests with dinner, dancing, and an exciting auction. For more information on how to support or attend the Lehigh Valley and Berks Heart Ball, visit heart.org/lvberksheartball or contact Jessica Escobar-Eck at Jessica.Escobar-Eck@heart.org.