The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, proudly announces the appointment of its 2025-2026 Southern New England Board of Directors.
Dr. Edward McGookin, MD, MHCDS, FAAP, Chief of Primary Care at Brown Health Medical Group, will continue to serve as Board President. Amy C. Vitale, Esq., Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at The Beacon Mutual Insurance Company, will continue in her role as Board Chair.
New board members include:
- Lisa Coskun, Vice President, Total Rewards, FM Global
- Reverend K. Percy Ballah, Impact Center of Providence AG
Returning board members include:
- Tara DeMoura, Senior Vice President, Employer Segment, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island
- Jessica J. McCarthy, Chief Marketing Officer & VP of Marketing, Communications and PR, Care New England
- Charles Beale, MD, Interventional Cardiologist, Hawthorn Medical Associates
- Andrea Dwyer, Vice President, AAA Northeast
- Ruth Dapaah-Afriyie, Pharm.D., MBA, BCACP, IHcL, Lifespan
- Peter Cummings, Ed.D., Superintendent, Narragansett Public Schools
- Kyle J. McInnis, Sc.D., Senior Advisor to the President for Strategy and Planning, Providence College
- Kelly D. Holder, Ph.D., Chief Wellness Officer, Brown University
- Amy Walsh, Executive Director, Commercial Banking, JP Morgan Chase
“The American Heart Association’s work is only possible because of the dedication and passion of our volunteer leaders,” said Michelle Clark, Executive Director of the Southern New England American Heart Association. “This new board brings together an incredible group of experts, innovators, and community champions who share our vision of a healthier future for all. Their leadership will be instrumental in advancing research, driving equitable health initiatives, and strengthening our impact across Southern New England.”
The American Heart Association Southern New England serves communities across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Together, these volunteer leaders will drive the organization’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.
For more information about the American Heart Association Southern New England, visit www.heart.org/sne.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Media Contact:
Samantha Bowen
Email: Samantha.Bowen@heart.org