Owen Billman, president of Blake Real Estate and a dedicated volunteer leader, has been named chair-elect of the board of directors for the Eastern States Region of the American Heart Association, the global leader in advancing cardiovascular health and reducing the impact of heart disease and stroke. Billman will serve in this role through June 30, 2027, before beginning a two-year term as chair of the Eastern States Board of Directors.
In his professional role, Billman leads Blake Real Estate’s operations and oversees a diverse portfolio spanning approximately 2.5 million square feet of commercial property. His leadership experience in managing complex organizations and building strategic partnerships has informed his long-standing commitment to community impact and public health.
Billman has been an active volunteer with the American Heart Association since 2018, contributing at both the regional and local levels. He served on the Greater Washington Region Board of Directors for six years, including as board chair from 2020 to 2022, where he helped guide the organization through a period of growth and strengthened volunteer engagement. He also played a key role in shaping fundraising and leadership development strategies and has twice led the Greater Washington Region Heart Walk with record-breaking results, mobilizing corporate and community support for the Association’s mission.
Today, Billman serves on the Eastern States Board of Directors, helping to advance priorities that improve cardiovascular health outcomes and expand access to care across the region.
“I’m honored to step into the role of chair-elect for the Eastern States Region of the American Heart Association,” Billman said. “This organization is doing critical, lifesaving work every day, and I look forward to working with fellow volunteers and staff to deepen our impact and reach more communities in meaningful ways.”
The American Heart Association’s Eastern States Region serves more than 75 million people from Virginia to Maine and Washington, D.C. Through research funding, advocacy and community-based programs, the Association works to improve health outcomes, increase access to care and equip individuals with tools to live longer, healthier lives. As the second largest funder of cardiovascular research next to the federal government, the Association plays a central role in advancing scientific discovery and translating it into real-world impact.
As Chair-Elect, Billman will partner with chair, David Chubak and regional leadership to strengthen mission delivery and fundraising efforts, with a focus on addressing gaps in health care access, improving nutrition and food security, reducing hypertension under the vision of advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere.
“Owen brings a proven record of leadership, philanthropy and deep engagement with our mission,” said Kelly Grose, executive vice president of the Eastern States Region of the American Heart Association. “Through his leadership in the Greater Washington Region and across the Eastern States, Owen has strengthened volunteer engagement, led unprecedented fundraising efforts and helped advance our work to improve the health of all communities.”
Over the course of his volunteer service, Billman has been recognized with numerous honors for his contributions to the American Heart Association, reflecting both his sustained commitment and measurable impact on fundraising and community engagement. Billman earned his degree from the University of Maryland and resides in the Washington, D.C., area with his wife and two children.