American Heart Association Philadelphia Names David Pacitti, President of Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. and Head of Americas at Siemens Healthineers as 2021 Philadelphia Heart Walk Chairman

Philadelphia, July 22, 2021 — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on ensuring longer, healthier lives for all, has named David Pacitti, President of Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc and Head of Americas at Siemens Healthineers as Heart Walk Chairman for the 2021 Philadelphia Heart Walk. In this role, Pacitti is charged with a $2 Million fundraising goal to support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association.

 

The American Heart Association’s Heart Challenge® is a suite of activities and initiatives designed to help companies positively impact employee overall health and well-being. The program is anchored in a series of customizable workplace events that inspires employees to be more engaged, reconnect with colleagues, get in their physical activity, support a great cause, and have a lot of fun doing it. On October 6th, the AHA will kick off a month long “Move More” activity challenge, including a week of wellness for participants to exercise their mind, body and spirit leading up to the Heart Walk on November 6, 2021.

 

“As a leading medical technology company in the Greater Philadelphia Region, Siemens Healthineers aims to improve the health and wellbeing of all Philadelphians. It is a tremendous honor to lead the 2021 Philadelphia Heart Walk, a signature event for the American Heart Association. Through my leadership and our organization, I look forward to raising awareness, educating the community, and inspiring all of us to make the small changes that can make a significant difference in living a longer, healthier life” says David Pacitti. “The 2021 Philadelphia Heart Walk will play an important role in re-engaging our employees as we look to return to in-person personal and professional engagements post-pandemic,” Pacitti continued.

 

The 23rd Annual Philadelphia Heart Walk will be held on November 6 with two options to get involved; participants can meet at Citizens Bank Park for an inspiring program and 5k walk or they can walk with their loved ones wherever they choose, and log their steps on the Heart Walk app. The Heart Walk unites the community in celebrating health and honoring survivors. Pacitti will be joined by other likeminded city executives working to increase physical and mental health, combat burnout and promote community engagement. The executive committee members include:

  • Michael R. Vennera, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Independence Blue Cross
  • Rene J. Alvarez, Jr., M.D. Lubert Family Professor of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College Director of Cardiology, Director of Jefferson Heart Institute, Jefferson Health System
  • Daniel J. Astolfi, Executive Vice President, Corporate & Not for Profit Banking, Eastern Mid-Atlantic Region, Citizens Bank
  • Gerard F. Blaney, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Einstein Healthcare Network
  • Carl Epple, MBA, CMHP, Vice President, Managing Executive, Northeast Division, LabCorp
  • Sumit Ganguli, Chief Executive Officer, GAVS Technologies
  • Todd J. Helmer, PE, SE, Chief Executive Officer, THA Consulting
  • Michael Hussey, Senior Client Executive, CAI
  • Richard L. Snyder, M.D., Executive Vice President, Facilitated Health Networks and Chief Medical Officer, Independence Blue Cross
  • Terry Talbot, Senior Vice President – Digital Health, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, Siemens Healthineers
  • Michael A. Young, MHA, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer, Temple University Health System, President and Chief Executive Officer, Temple University Hospital

 

“We are thrilled that David Pacitti will lead the Philadelphia Heart Walk efforts this year,” says Ernestine Walker, Executive Director, American Heart Association in Philadelphia. “Under Mr. Pacitti’s leadership, we are confident that we will achieve the goals for our Heart Walk, which will support the advancement of transformational research initiatives and mission critical efforts in our local communities to help people lead longer, healthier lives. “

 

All funds raised at the Heart Walk support the mission of the American Heart Association, to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives while supporting priority issues in Philadelphia. Health and Human Connection has been identified by the American Heart Association Philadelphia board for 2021 to propel work to support the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, reducing barriers to health care access and quality.

 

To learn more about engaging your workforce in Heart Challenge events, or to join David and other area executives, visit 2021 Philadelphia Heart Walk or contact [email protected] for more information.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health, and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.orgFacebookTwitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

 

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Theresa Spencer: 267-997-3354; Theresa.Spencer@[email protected]

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org