Kevin B. Mahoney named 70th Anniversary Philadelphia Heart Ball Legacy Honoree and Campaign Visionary
For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through the 70th Anniversary Philadelphia Heart Ball, Kevin B. Mahoney, legacy honoree and campaign visionary, and CEO of the University of Pennsylvania Health System (Penn Medicine), will lead community-wide efforts to help ensure every individual in Greater Philadelphia has the opportunity for a full, healthy life.
The Heart Ball celebrates hope and progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the Heart Association’s efforts to make an impact on the health of the community. These efforts include the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery, public policy change, equitable health for the under-resourced and under-represented, and education to equip the community to take control of their health.
“Kevin Mahoney has spent his career bringing people and organizations together to solve complex health challenges,” said Soma Somasundaram, chair, board of directors for the Heart Association, Greater Philadelphia. “As we celebrate 70 years of the Philadelphia Heart Ball, we are proud to honor a leader whose vision, influence and commitment to service have strengthened our mission for nearly two decades.”
Mahoney has been a longtime champion for the American Heart Association and its mission to improve cardiovascular health across Greater Philadelphia. In 2018, he received the Heart of Philadelphia Award for his community leadership and volunteer service, and in 2019, he served as chair of the Philadelphia Heart Ball. As CEO of Penn Medicine, he has continued to champion programs that advance equitable health, improve access to care and address cardiovascular disease risk factors throughout the region. In 2024, Penn Medicine and the American Heart Association launched the “Team Up to Take Down High Blood Pressure” initiative, a collaborative effort among Philadelphia health systems, community health centers and community-based organizations aimed at improving hypertension awareness, diagnosis, and management
“I am honored to lead the Philadelphia Heart Ball campaign through this important milestone year,” said Mahoney. “For 70 years, the Philadelphia Heart Ball has brought together people who are passionate about saving and improving lives. This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the progress we have made while renewing our commitment to the work that remains. I look forward to joining volunteers, supporters and community leaders in advancing research, education and community programs that help people live longer, healthier lives.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Kevin as our 2026-2027 Philadelphia Heart Ball campaign visionary and to recognize him as our 70th Anniversary legacy honoree,” said Jennifer Litchman-Green, executive director of the American Heart Association, Greater Philadelphia. “Kevin has been a tremendous supporter of our work for many years and his enthusiasm for this campaign is contagious. We are excited to partner with him throughout the year to celebrate this milestone Heart Ball and expand our impact across Greater Philadelphia.”
The 2027 70th Anniversary Heart Ball is sponsored by Team Up to Take Down High Blood Pressure Collaborators: Penn Medicine, Temple Health, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and Jefferson Health; Live Fierce. Take Action. Nation of Lifesavers Sponsors: Independence Blue Cross and AmeriHealth Caritas; and Legacy Sponsor: Infor; and will be held in early 2027. The annual event is a night to celebrate the Heart Association’s year-round efforts to break down barriers to health in Greater Philadelphia. Throughout the evening, the Heart Ball will honor volunteers and patrons, feature stories of survivors and entertain guests with dinner, dancing and an exciting auction. For more information on how to support or attend the 70th Anniversary Philadelphia Heart Ball, contact Kara Porter at kara.porter@heart.org.