Industry leaders and professionals fill key roles to drive heart health initiatives across representing the seven cities
HAMPTON ROADS, Va., Oct. 8, 2025 — Striving to make Hampton Roads the healthiest city in the nation, the American Heart Association-Hampton Roads proudly announces its Board of Directors for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This group of dedicated community volunteers, business leaders and medical professionals officially began their new term on July 1, continuing its commitment to advancing cardiovascular health throughout Hampton Roads.
Representing a wide range of industries to include healthcare, education and cybersecurity, the board plays a critical role in driving local impact and supporting the American Heart Association’s mission in Hampton Roads.
“Appointing individuals who are passionate about our mission and understand the “why,” help us better address the needs of the community while making lifelong and lifesaving impact,” said MeShall Simmons, executive director of the American Heart Association-Hampton Roads. “The Hampton Roads board brings together an extraordinary group of people who are passionate about cardiovascular health and committed to the well-being of our community. I’m excited to introduce and welcome our newest board additions and look forward to supporting their visions and leading with heart in the new fiscal year.”
2025-26 Hampton Roads Board Officers
- Charlene Grabowski, chairperson – partner, Pathfinder Strategies
- Dr. Dena Krishnan, president – cardiologist, Bon Secours Mercy Health
- Adam Luke, leadership development chair – associate vice president of Cardiac, Critical Care & Pulmonary Services, Riverside Health
“We have a job to do, and we’re fortunate enough to be in positions that hold a great deal of influence,” said Charlene Grabowski. “Whether we’re meeting people where they are by hosting Hands-Only CPR experiences, supporting school engagement or working alongside community organizations, I want every Hampton Roads resident to know we’re here, we care and we’re committed to this mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.”
Board Members
- Dr. Anca Dobrian, professor of biomedical & translational sciences, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences
- Dr. Kia Dunbar-Harris, vice president of clinical operations, Sentara Health
- Joshua Edwards, director, Medical Student Research, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences
- Amber Egyud, chief operating & nursing officer, Chesapeake Regional Healthcare
- Chernelle Hill, vice president, Operations, Sentara Health
- Dr. Michele Mitchell, superintendent, Newport News Public Schools
- Dr. Janelle St. Louis, clinical pharmacist ADM, Joel T. Boone Branch Health Clinic
- Emily Tchiblakian, vice president, Perioperative & Cardiovascular Service, Sentara Health
- Aaron Thompson, executive director & CEO, Olde Towne Medical & Dental Center
New Board Members
- Dr. Daniel Keever, superintendent, Williamsburg – James City County Schools
- Joseph Lee, CEO, JLGOV, LLC
- Dr. Petra Lynch, cardiologist, Sentara Health
- Dr. Deepak Talreja, clinical chief, Division of Cardiology, Sentara Health
For more information about the American Heart Association’s work in Hampton Roads or to connect with the board, please contact HamptonRoads@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.
For Media Inquiries
Jaylyn Brown; jaylyn.brown@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org