NEW YORK, NY, July 1, 2026 — The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, announced today that Lawrence Phillips, MD, cardiologist, medical director of outpatient cardiology, and director of nuclear cardiology at NYU Langone Health, has been named president-elect of the American Heart Association’s Eastern States Regional Board of Directors.
In this role, Dr. Phillips will help guide the Association’s strategic direction across the Eastern States region, which serves millions of people from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. As president-elect, he will work closely with regional volunteer leaders and staff to advance the Association’s mission to improve cardiovascular and brain health, drive equitable health outcomes, and support lifesaving research, education, and advocacy initiatives.
“Dr. Phillips is a dedicated physician-leader whose deep commitment to advancing cardiovascular health and improving patient outcomes has made a meaningful impact across New York City and beyond,” said Kelly Grose, executive vice president of the American Heart Association’s Eastern States Region. “His leadership, clinical expertise, and passion for community-based programs will be invaluable as we continue to drive progress across the Eastern States region.”
Dr. Phillips brings a distinguished record of service to the American Heart Association. Most recently, he served as president of the New York City Board of Directors, where he led efforts to expand community health initiatives, strengthen partnerships, and elevate awareness of heart disease and stroke prevention.
“At a time when cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death, I am honored to step into this role and support the American Heart Association’s mission at a regional level,” Dr. Phillips said. “I look forward to working with our dedicated volunteers, donors and staff to advance innovative solutions that improve health outcomes and save lives in our communities.”
Dr. Phillips is a practicing cardiologist at NYU Langone Health, where he serves as director of nuclear cardiology and medical director for outpatient clinical cardiology. He is also an associate professor of medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and a recognized leader in cardiovascular imaging and preventive care.
The American Heart Association’s Eastern States Region encompasses 13 states and Washington, D.C., and plays a critical role in advancing the organization’s national priorities through community-based programs, policy advocacy, and scientific investment.
Dr. Phillips will serve as president-elect through June 30, 2027 before beginning a two-year term as president of the Eastern States Board of Directors, helping to shape the future of cardiovascular health initiatives across the region.
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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:
Mark Hurley; mark.hurley@heart.org; 917-445-0207
Ella Beames; ella.beames@heart.org; 212-878-5910
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org