Christine (Lindenboom) Akinc named 2026 American Heart Association Heart of Boston chair
As the volunteer chair of the American Heart Association’s Heart of Boston campaign, Christine (Lindenboom) Akinc, chief corporate communications officer at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, will lead community-wide efforts to help ensure every individual in Greater Boston has the opportunity for a full, healthy life. Heart of Boston engages companies, community leaders and individuals to make a lasting impact across the four chambers of the Association’s work: discovery, advocacy, access and knowledge.
The campaign will come together at the Boston Heart and Stroke Ball on April 11, celebrating hope and progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere. Akinc is passionate about the Heart Association’s mission due to a family history of heart disease and her decade-long work in health communications at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals.
“It’s a great honor to serve in this role,” said Akinc. “I look forward to partnering with our incredible team of volunteers and the American Heart Association to drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy and care for healthier people and communities. Creating lasting impact takes all of us — and together, we can build a healthier future for every person in Greater Boston.”
“Christine brings exceptional vision and energy as a respected community leader. Her commitment to the American Heart Association’s mission, combined with a clear passion for improving the well-being of our community, makes her an outstanding choice to lead this year’s campaign,” said Allison M. Joyce, volunteer board chair of the American Heart Association in Boston. “We welcome her as chair of the Heart of Boston campaign, which unites leaders across our community to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere.”
The 2026 Boston Heart and Stroke Ball is sponsored by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospitals, Bain Capital Life Sciences, Cardurion Pharmaceuticals, Corsera Health, Cushman and Wakefield, and Parexel, and will be held on Saturday, April 11, at 6 p.m. at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport.
The annual event celebrates the American Heart Association’s year-round work to build a healthier Boston. The evening will be hosted by Nicole Estaphan, a reporter and producer for WCVB Channel 5’s Chronicle, and will feature the recognition of dedicated volunteers, inspiring survivor stories, and an evening of dinner, dancing and an auction. For more information about attending or supporting the Boston Heart and Stroke Ball, visit heart.org/bostonhb or contact Rachel Adjemian at rachel.adjemian@heart.org.