Shannon O. Pierce named 2026 American Heart Association Hampton Roads Heart Ball Chair
HAMPTON ROADS, Va., October 1, 2025 — For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through Heart of Hampton Roads Heart Ball campaign, Shannon O. Pierce, volunteer chairperson and president & CEO of Virginia Natural Gas, will lead community-wide efforts to help ensure every individual in Hampton Roads has the opportunity for a full, healthy life. The Heart Ball celebrates hope and progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association’s efforts to make an impact on the health of the community. These efforts include the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery, public policy change, equitable health for the under resourced and underrepresented and education to equip the community to take control of their health.
“Shannon Pierce demonstrates outstanding leadership and dedication as a visionary leader at Virginia Natural Gas. Her passion and commitment to the American Heart Association’s mission, deep understanding of community needs and unwavering drive to make a difference positions her as the perfect choice to chair this event,” says Dr. Dena Krishnan, president, board of directors for the American Heart Association Hampton Roads. “We welcome Shannon to the Heart of Hampton Roads, an initiative that centers around better health for every individual by focusing on critical issues and work to equitably improve and save lives.”
Pierce’s involvement in the community and professional associations includes membership in the Virginia State Bar, the Energy Bar Association, and the American Association of Blacks in Energy. Pierce is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and currently a member of the Smithfield Alumnae Chapter. She serves on the boards of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the Elizabeth River Project, the Hampton Roads Executive Business Roundtable, RVA757 Connects and the Blueprint Virginia 2035 Steering Committee. She has also served on boards for various not-for-profit organizations focusing on education and economic empowerment.
“I am honored to serve as the 2025-2026 Hampton Roads Heart Ball chair,” said Pierce. “As someone raised in Surry County, a rural and often under resourced area in many areas including nutrition security, I am eager to work with our outstanding team of volunteers and the American Heart Association to drive change by removing barriers to health, investing in groundbreaking research, delivering impactful health education and advocating for healthy policies. Studies indicate that roughly 1 in 10 residents do not consistently have access to enough healthy food to meet their needs in Surry County, and I have this incredible opportunity to play a role in changing that. It takes a village to make a lasting impact, and we must do whatever it takes to create a better tomorrow for all people in Hampton Roads.”
The 2026 Hampton Roads Heart Ball is sponsored by Virginia Natural Gas, Bon Secours Mercy Health and Riverside Health and will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The annual event is a night to celebrate the Heart Association’s year-round efforts to break down barriers to health in Hampton Roads. Throughout the evening, the Heart Ball will honor volunteers and patrons, feature stories of survivors and entertain guests with dinner, dancing and an exciting auction. For more information on how to support or attend the Hampton Roads Heart Ball, visit www.heart.org/heartofhamptonroads or contact Laura Bynum at laura.bynum@heart.org.
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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.
Jaylyn Brown: 443-866-7733; jaylyn.brown@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org