Karen Smith, Regional Vice President Northeast Anthem National Accounts to Chair New Haven Heart Walk

37th annual event to take place Sunday, May 4, 2025

The American Heart Association, the largest voluntary health organization fighting cardiovascular diseases, announces Karen Smith, Regional Vice President – Northeast of Anthem National Accounts, is serving as chair of the Greater New Haven Heart Walk. The annual Heart Walk will take place on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

As chair, Smith will lead organizational and recruitment efforts in greater New Haven. Building on her company’s mission to improve the health of people across Connecticut, she will call on area volunteers, survivors, and business leaders to step up to support the organization’s efforts to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular disease and stroke. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States with approximately one death per minute.’

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States with over 7,000 deaths in Connecticut alone each year,” said Smith. “I am eager to have the opportunity to promote health and wellness by supporting such a critical cause. One lost life is too many.  Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has been a strong supporter of the American Heart Association, and we are committed to helping advance this lifesaving mission. I call upon our business community to bring your teams and join me in supporting this impactful event.”

L to R New Haven Kick Off Breakfast: Chelsea DeGroat, AHA, Francine LoRusso,
Heart and Vascular Center, Yale New Haven Health, Karen Smith, Anthem
Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Adria Giordano, AHA

The New Haven Heart Walk, in its 37th year, is slated to raise $300,000 and will kick off at 9 a.m. Heart Walk participants are encouraged to follow the American Heart Association’s Connecticut Facebook page @heartCONN to find pre-event challenges and information to make the Heart Walk experience more fun.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Karen Smith for stepping in to lead the Greater New Haven Heart Walk,” said Chelsea DeGroat, American Heart Association Development Director.  “Through the Heart Challenge initiative, we can drive maximum impact through employee engagement and corporate fundraising. Together, we can save lives in our local communities and beyond.”   


Visit www.newhavenheartwalk.org for information on the New Haven Heart Walk. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Chelsea DeGroat at Chelsea.degroat@heart.org.