The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on ensuring longer, healthier lives for all, has named Amy Adams, chief executive officer at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Nittany Valley, as the 2022 Central PA Heart Walk chair. In this role Adams is charged with a $84,000 fundraising goal to support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association.
Adams joined Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Nittany Valley, formerly HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital, in 2003. She built over 10 years of care management experience before being promoted to the director of case management in 2015. Amy has been instrumental in providing leadership to healthcare professionals and works directly with patients, staff and community members as they transition through the healthcare continuum. In 2020, Amy became the chief executive officer and oversees all of the hospital’s day-to-day operations to ensure patient care and quality initiatives are being met. Amy is board-certified through the Commission for Case Manager Certification and a member of the Encompass Health National Case Management Leadership Board. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University.
“So often our busy schedules can keep us from finding the time to take care of ourselves and loved ones,” said Adams. “Supporting the mission of the American Heart Association and becoming this year’s chair has given me the opportunity to educate more of our community on heart health in hopes of everyone living longer, healthier lives.”
Adams will be joined by other likeminded local executives working to increase physical and mental health and promote community engagement. The executive committee members include:
- Amanda Allen, Advantage Home Health Services LLC
- Chris Daher, First Citizens Community Bank
- Roger Greene, Mount Nittany Health
- Libby Hartsock, Geisinger Health Plan
- Allana Hartung, Kish Bank
- Michael Lesko, Geisinger Health System
- Jeremy Lumadue, Weis Markets
- Thomas Marra, UPMC Altoona, UPMC Bedford Memorial
- Taylor McQuillen, Grane Hospice
- Mitchell Straub, Vital Rehab and Wellness
- Kirk Thomas, Geisinger Health System
The Central PA Heart Walk is set for Saturday, Oct. 15 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park in State College. Participants will have the option to walk or run the 1-mile or 5k route through University Park. Supporters in Blair and Cambria counties can also participate closer to home by joining the Central PA Heart Walk at sites in Altoona and Johnstown. A second walk will be held on Oct. 15 at UPMC Altoona and a third walk will take place Oct. 22 at Roxbury Park in Johnstown. Festivities at all locations begin at 8:30 a.m. and the walk steps off at 9:30 a.m. The Heart Walk unites the community in celebrating health and honoring survivors.
The funds raised through the Central PA Heart Walk fund the mission of the American Heart Association to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives and support the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, reducing barriers to health care access and quality.
The Central PA Heart Walk is locally sponsored by Geisinger, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Nittany Valley, UPMC & UPMC Health Plan, Conemaugh Health System, Weis Markets, Mount Nittany Health and other local businesses.
To learn more about sponsoring the Heart Walk, participating, or to join Adams and other area executives, visit heart.org/centralpa or contact Brooke Greybush at [email protected] or 717-730-1713 for more information.
Walkers take part in the 2021 Central PA Heart Walk in State College, Pennsylvania.