The American Heart Association, the largest voluntary health organization fighting heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases, announces Corliss Montesi of Stanley Black and Decker and Mary Anne Cannon of Pratt & Whitney as co-chairs of the 2017 Hartford Heart Walk. The Hartford Heart Walk will take place on Saturday, October 14 at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford.
As co-chairs, Corliss Montesi and Mary Anne Cannon will lead the organizational and recruitment efforts in the greater Hartford area. They will call on thousands of area volunteers, survivors, walkers, and business leaders to step up to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular disease and stroke, the leading cause of death in the United States.
“As a volunteer and Connecticut board member, I understand the need for continual support in the fight against heart disease through funding and awareness,” said walk co-chair Corliss Montesi. “Stanley Black and Decker is committed to helping people live healthier lives and by supporting the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk – we are joining together to advance their lifesaving mission of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease while encouraging a culture of physical activity.”
The Hartford Heart Walk will attempt to raise more than $300,000 to fund research and education to fight heart disease and stroke. Each day, nearly 2,400 Americans die from a cardiovascular disease. That’s an average of one death every 37 seconds. A leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke is lack of physical activity. Research has found that individuals may gain two hours of life expectancy for every one hour of regular, vigorous exercise they do.
“Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States with more than 7,000 deaths in Connecticut each year,” said co-chair Mary Anne Cannon. “I am eager to take on this leadership role and have the opportunity to promote health and wellness to help change these statistics and raise the funds needed to support such a critical cause. Pratt & Whitney has been a strong supporter of the American Heart Association and we are committed to continue our support to advance this lifesaving mission.”
Corliss Montesi is Vice President, Corporate Controller, at Stanley Black & Decker, a worldwide supplier of hand and power tools, industrial equipment, and security solutions. Corliss leads a global organization in all aspects of accounting, controls and trade compliance. A passionate supporter of women and diversity, she is also an Executive Sponsor of the SBD Women’s Network.
Mary Anne Cannon is Pratt & Whitney’s vice president Commercial Programs including the PW4000, PW2000, PW6000, JT9D and JT8D engines and is responsible for developing and managing the product line life-cycle strategies and ensuring customer requirements are met.
To learn more about the Hartford Heart Walk, or to find out about sponsorship opportunities, please call Wendy Schrlau at (203) 303-3317 or go to www.hartfordheartwalk.org.