Anthony LaPolla, Founder and CEO of Empower Business Strategies, was part of his grandparents’ team at America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk nearly 30 years ago. In 2025, he’s returning in a leadership role. LaPolla is serving as logistics chair of the event set for Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8, at Utica University.

“Heart disease hits close to home for me,” LaPolla said. “My grandfather was the 11th person in central New York to have open heart surgery, in the mid-1990s. Heart disease runs on both sides of my and my wife’s family and many of us have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol.”
LaPolla is taking over for Steve Gassner of the Mohawk Valley Water Authority, longtime leader of logistics at America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk. Frank Mastrovito of Mastrovito Hyundai is the corporate chair of the event for the third year in a row.
“It’s going to be great to have myself and Frank get out there, build teams, and share the good work that the American Heart Association does,” LaPolla said.
Born and raised in Utica, LaPolla holds an A.A.T. in Mortuary Science from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, a B.S. in Health Studies-Human Behavior from Utica University, and an M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Medaille University in Buffalo.
LaPolla’s diverse employment background includes working in the funeral business before moving into human resources, where he’s found his passion for the past 15 years.
“I was a Vice President of Human Resources at an animal health company, traveling a lot among different hospitals and practices,” LaPolla said. “At the same time, friends and acquaintances were calling for advice about policies, procedures and benefits. I realized I wanted to start an organizational development firm, specializing in several areas, but mostly human resources. I wanted to treat people the way I want to be treated, and empower them to be the best human beings they can.”
Today, his company, Empower Business Strategies, has more than 50 clients in five different states and in Canada, and employs 10 people.
LaPolla’s wife Christina is leading the recruitment of Friends and Family Teams for the Heart Walk. The LaPollas live in New Hartford with their two cherished dogs, Stella and Wall-E.
“I’m really honored to be chosen and to help put America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk together,” LaPolla said. “I want to work with the community to provide education about heart disease. America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk helps raise awareness about heart disease and stroke, and gives us a chance to reflect back on those we’ve lost to heart disease. We can give back to our community, and honor those no longer with us.”
“Anthony’s energy is contagious,” said Amy R. DeMetri, chair of the board of directors of the American Heart Association in the Mohawk Valley and business consultant with ARD Consulting. “He knows firsthand why America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk is important, and is doing a terrific job pulling everything together for the event. We’re grateful he accepted this position.”
The Healthy for Good Expo is set for Friday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Utica University. America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk is set for Saturday, March 8, with different runs and walks starting at different times and locations. The 1- or 3-mile walk will start near Utica University at 10 a.m. For information and to register, visit www.UticaHeartRunWalk.org.
About America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk
America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk 2025 will take place on March 7 and 8 at Utica University. The Health Expo, WIBX Radiothon and Treadmill Challenge will take place on Friday, March 7 in the Clark Athletic Center. The 18-mile, 10-mile and 3-mile runs; and the 3-mile walk; will take place on Saturday, March 8, also beginning near Utica University. Frank Mastrovito of Mastrovito Hyundai is chairing the event. Ann Furner, Andrew Sikora and Tom Payeur are the Red Cap Ambassadors. Sponsors include MVHS, Mastrovito Hyundai, NYCM, Preferred Mutual and Slocum-Dickson Medical Group. Media sponsors are WKTV, WIBX, Sentinel News and New York Sash. For information or to register, visit UticaHeartRunWalk.org.