Barbara Poliwoda, Regional Director for the American Heart Association and Long Island resident was awarded the Rome Betts Award of Excellence at a recent American Heart Association meeting.
The Rome Betts Award of Excellence was created in memory of the executive director of the American Heart Association from 1949 to 1968. Mr. Betts became national executive director shortly after the American Heart Association reorganized into a voluntary health association. The American Heart Association greatly expanded its educational, community service and research activities under his leadership. The Rome Betts Award of Excellence recognizes outstanding exempt field or affiliate staff who exemplify consistent high performance in their area of expertise and are recognized for leadership, professionalism and dedication.
“My success comes from the great volunteers I work with every day” says Poliwoda.
Barbara is the Regional Director for the Hamptons Heart Ball, Healing 5k and American Heart Ride. For more information, visit www.heart.org/longisland.
Pictured (L-R) are Barbara Poliwoda receiving her Rome Betts award from Kathy Munsch, RVP, Long Island.

Our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been fighting heart disease and stroke, striving to save and improve lives. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide, and stroke ranks second globally. Even when those conditions don’t result in death, they cause disability and diminish quality of life. We want to see a world free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.