Bill McLaughlin launches the Heart of New York City and Thrive’s Listen to Your Heart and Thrive campaign by sharing how he’s stepping up to shape a future for his children, New York City, and beyond.
When asked what he wanted his legacy to be, Bill McLaughlin answered instantly, “To be a great Dad.”
From stepping up to be the CEO of Thrive in February 2025, to stepping into a leadership role at the American Heart Association’s Heart of New York City, Bill McLaughlin does everything to pave a path for his children.
However, this past summer, McLaughlin was reminded that life can change in an instant. Both McLaughlin and Joe Waleck, Chief Revenue Officer of Thrive, began to experience unusual symptoms on a business trip.
Drawing on the stories and warning signs he had come to know through his involvement with the Association, coupled with a heightened sense of urgency since he lost both my grandfathers to heart attacks when they were at a fairly young age, McLaughlin recognized the importance of taking those symptoms seriously. He urged that they both seek medical attention immediately.
“Something didn’t feel right and I knew I needed to be proactive about my health to make sure that if something was wrong, I could take care of it to make sure that I’m here and able to support my family” McLaughlin said. “That meant a trip to the hospital to check everything. I asked them to run every test possible!”
Despite some elevated results, McLaughlin was ok. His business partner, Waleck, who was otherwise very healthy didn’t have the same luck. A health check revealed a series of heart attacks, resulting in triple bypass surgery, two weeks in the hospital, and a long road of care and recovery.
“These congruent events brought to light two truths. One: Heart disease can strike quickly and happen to anyone. Two: I am so fortunate to have quick access to trusted healthcare,” McLaughlin shared. “I recognize that not everyone is fortunate to have the access to care that I have—and that’s why it’s important to support and amplify the work of the Association as they strive to bring accessible healthcare to everyone.”
Philanthropic leadership and community engagement are two significant pillars in McLaughlin’s life. In addition to his involvement with the American Heart Association, he is co-founder and chairman of The Jillian Fund, a non-profit created to support families of children facing life-threatening illnesses, ensuring they can be by their child’s side during treatment.
“Time is precious, and our goal is to help parents maximize time with their children,” McLaughlin said. “Through my work with both The Jillian Fund and the American Heart Association, I am passionate about giving families the education, tools, and resources they need to navigate health crises and funding the science that will allow loved ones live longer and healthier lives.”
Shortly after Waleck’s event, Joe Simone, President of Simone Development Companies and member of the American Heart Association’s New York City Board of Directors, called McLaughlin and asked him to chair the Heart of New York City, a year-round initiative which Simone had previously chaired in 2024.
“The opportunity to step up into a leadership role at the Heart Association felt kismet,” McLaughlin said. “After seeing the reality of heart disease, I knew this was a chance for me to make an impact. I want to be around for my family and it’s critical that everyone in our community has the same opportunity.”
In addition to Bill serving as the Chair for the 2025-26 Heart of New York City, Thrive has committed to supporting his leadership and the Association as a Legacy Sponsor and has named the American Heart Association as their global charity of choice for 2026.
The American Heart Association and Thrive will work together to empower individuals to Listen to Your Heart and Thrive — championing wellness, awareness, and connection across our communities. Together, they encourage people to seek care when they need it, equip them with the knowledge to recognize the signs of cardiovascular disease and stroke, and honor the courage of survivors and their families who have faced health challenges with extraordinary heart and strength.