Haley Sofiane of CareCentrix named as chair of the Connecticut Board of Directors
The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, announces new leadership and board members to its Connecticut Board of Directors.
Haley Sofiane, president, CareCentrix, will serve a two-year term as chair of the Connecticut board of directors beginning July 1, 2026.
As a current board member, prior chair of the Greater Hartford Go Red for Women movement and passionate supporter of the Association, Sofiane will provide counsel and guidance to advance the organization’s mission to create healthier outcomes in Connecticut. In partnership with Board President Hardik Amin, M.D., Hartford HealthCare, Sofiane will work to address important issues facing the Connecticut community. Current issues include community CPR preparedness, equitable health, access to affordable and healthy food, tackling the youth vaping epidemic, addressing hypertension and ensuring residents live in a healthy environment that supports physical and mental well-being. Sofiane is president of CareCentrix, having previously served as the company’s chief operating officer with more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare services industry.
The Association extends its deep gratitude to outgoing Board Chair, Francine LoRusso, who will continue to serve on the Connecticut Board of Directors. LoRusso has been a longtime champion of the American Heart Association’s mission, strengthening it’s Go Red for Women and Heart Walk initiatives, as well as helping to create healthier communities across Connecticut.
In addition, the Association welcomes five new members to its Connecticut Board of Directors:
Elizabeth DeVito, chief of staff, strategy and market intelligence
The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Co.
Liz DeVito has been in the insurance business for 35 years in a variety of roles including strategy, process improvement, data automation, project management, client
relationship management, business development and customer experience. Chair of the Greater Hartford Go Red for Women in 2025, DeVito also has a passion for the arts and has served on boards of local arts organizations.
Christa Miliaresis, M.D., pediatric cardiologist,
Connecticut Children’s Medical Center
Christa Miliaresis, M.D., is a pediatric cardiologist who specializes in sports cardiology, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and exercise physiology. Her passion is preventing sudden cardiac death in children as well as adults. She is the founding member of the first NY chapter of Project ADAM, a non-profit organization whose mission is to teach cardiac emergency preparedness. Dr. Miliaresis enjoys spending time with her family, reading and being outdoors as much as possible.
Meghana Rao Brito, M.D., cardiologist,
Yale New Haven Heart and Vascular Center;
director, Women’s Heart and Vascular Program, Lawrence + Memorial Hospital;
assistant professor of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale School of Medicine;
medical director, Echocardiography Laboratory, Lawrence + Memorial Hospital
Meghana Rao Brito, M.D. is a cardiologist who specializes in cardiovascular disease in women as well as cardiovascular imaging, including echocardiography and nuclear medicine. Dr. Rao Brito was co-chair of the American Heart Association’s 2026 Greater New Haven Go Red for Women event. She is involved in expanding the Yale New Haven Women’s Heart and Vascular Program, with a goal of improving access for patients while providing personalized, multi-disciplinary care.
Nicole DeMaio, vice president of business development,
Downes Construction Company
At Downes Construction, Nicole DeMaio plays a key role in driving strategic growth, fostering client relationships and expanding market presence. Beyond her professional responsibilities, DeMaio is deeply committed to student and community engagement. DeMaio served as co-chair of the American Heart Association’s 2025 Greater New Haven Go Red for Women and is also an advocate for introducing young people — particularly women and underrepresented groups — to careers in construction and related industries, frequently participating in mentorship programs, school visits and workforce development initiatives.
Lisa M. Wren, Ph.D., MSCI, NREMT, senior cardiovascular therapeutic area specialist,
Bristol Myers Squibb
Lisa Wren is a dedicated cardiovascular scientist and first responder whose career is defined by the intersection of precision medicine and emergency services. With 16 years of experience in biomedical research and eight years as a first responder, Dr. Wren’s research focused on investigating mechanisms of cardiac arrest and heart failure to identify therapeutic candidates to treat them. She has currently transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry to support cardiovascular therapy portfolios and continues her work as a firefighter and EMT to help make a meaningful impact for patients.
Current board members serving Connecticut include:
– Katy Carrillo, IT director, Stanley Black & Decker
Connecticut board Cor Vitae Society ambassador
– Caroline Wilke, vice president human resources, CVS Health
Connecticut board leadership development chair
– Wheatley Wentzell, SVP, Heart and Vascular Institute, Hartford HealthCare
Connecticut board president-elect
– Mark Brevard, director of multicultural community outreach, New England Donor Services
– Rachel Forman, MD, stroke neurologist, Yale New Haven Hospital
– Lou Gianquinto, president, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Connecticut
– Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez, founder & CEO, Lidera LTR Consulting, LLC
– Ayanna Walker, Ph.D., associate dean, College of Health, and Human Services,Southern Connecticut State University
We extend our sincere gratitude to our three outgoing board members for their dedicated service to the Association and their meaningful contributions to advancing the health of Connecticut residents. Their leadership and commitment have left a lasting impact, helping to build stronger, healthier communities across the state:
- Maureen Boyle
Cor Vitae society ambassador - Russ Mills, chief financial officer, Unger Enterprises, LLC
Connecticut board leadership development chair - Shailendra Upadhyay, M.D., M.B.A., FHRS, FACC, co-director of the Children’s Heart Center at UHealth Jackson Medical Center and former division chief of Pediatric Cardiology at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center
