Ken Burns and T.R. Casamento named 2026 Rochester American Heart Association Heart Ball Co-Chairs
For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through Heart of Rochester’s Heart Ball campaign, Ken Burns, vice president of operations, Central New York, at John W. Danforth Company, and T.R. Casamento, vice president of sales, Central New York, at John W. Danforth Company, will serve as this year’s co-chairs of the Rochester Heart Ball, leading community-wide efforts to help ensure every individual in Rochester 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 underresourced and underrepresented, and education to equip the community to take control of their health.
“Ken and T.R. demonstrate outstanding leadership and dedication as executives at John W. Danforth Company. Their passion and commitment to the American Heart Association’s mission, deep understanding of community needs and unwavering drive to make a difference positions them as the perfect choice to chair this event,” says Megan Vargulick, executive director for the American Heart Association of Rochester. “The Heart of Rochester is an initiative that centers around better health for every individual by focusing on critical issues and work to equitably improve and save lives.”
Both of this year’s chairs have a family history of heart disease, which has inspired them to get involved as volunteer leaders for the American Heart Association’s Rochester Heart Ball.
“I am honored to serve as a 2026 Rochester Heart Ball co-chair,” said Ken Burns. “Community engagement is a core value at John W. Danforth, and we are fully committed to uplifting and strengthening the communities where we live and work. The energy, the impact and the opportunity to connect with other Rochester leaders at the Heart Ball make it a truly inspiring event.”
“I truly believe we can make a real difference in our community through our collaborative efforts,” said TR Casamento. “Supporting the American Heart Association as co-chairs allows us to promote preventative health initiatives that benefit everyone. 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 Rochester.”
The 2026 Rochester Heart Ball is sponsored by John W. Danforth and will be held on May 9, 2026. The annual event is a night to celebrate the Association’s year-round efforts to break down barriers to health in Rochester. Throughout the evening, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health, 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 Rochester Heart Ball, visit Heart.org/HeartofRochester or contact Michelle Marks-Hook at Michelle.Marks-Hook@Heart.org.