The American Heart Association (AHA), the world’s leading voluntary health organization devoted to a
Jill Feldon, vice president of Marketing, Communication and Community Relations for Kaiser Permanente named Chair of the 2021 Heart Walk
world of longer, healthier lives, is excited to name Jill Feldon, vice president of Marketing, Communication and Community Relations for Kaiser Permanente in the Mid-Atlantic region, as chair of the AHA’s 2021 Greater Washington Region Heart Walk. Feldon has been with Kaiser Permanente for 14 years, having worked in the organization’s Northern California, Hawaii and currently the health system’s Mid-Atlantic States region.
“Serving as the 2021 Heart Walk Chair is a tremendous honor for me, as I have a personal commitment to health and fitness. Staying on top of your health has never been more important and I am pleased to help encourage our region to take important steps for their health and, specifically, their heart health through my work for the 2021 Heart Walk.” said Feldon. “Kaiser Permanente has a longstanding relationship with the American Heart Association and we are pleased to partner with this exceptional organization to find creative ways to help community members connect, stay active and encourage well-being as we continue to adapt to a world in which many of us are at home.”
In her current role, Jill leads the integrated communications and brand management team for Kaiser Permanente with a goal of enhancing brand, increasing membership, building relationships, improving the health of our communities, and engaging physicians and employees in delivering integrated, high-quality, affordable healthcare. She is eager to bring her expertise to serve as the volunteer leader for the American Heart Association’s iconic event.
The 2020 Heart Walk was held virtually and saw high participation in spite of the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 470 teams and 3,149 walkers registered from 90 contributing organizations, with a record percentage of participants raising funds. Registrants were also actively engaged in the 30-Day Step Challenge presented by Sheehy Auto Stores. Nearly one-third of participants downloaded the Heart Walk app and logged 88,840,572 steps – the equivalent of nearly two laps around the equator! Seventeen Kaiser Permanente teams participated in the Heart Walk, raising $13,303 and walking 7,257,938 steps, or more than 36,000 miles. Feldon was the company’s leading fundraiser and was recognized as an Executive With Heart.
The 2020 event raised $1.6 million and was chaired by Tim Gillis, Managing Partner of KPMG. Funds raised by the annual campaign lead to medical breakthroughs, transform healthcare systems, support stronger public health policy and help fast track research and train front-line workers.
“The work of the American Heart Association is driven by volunteer leaders willing to give their time and energy to helping to enhance the quality of their communities,” said Soula Antoniou, executive director of the American Heart Association. “I am excited for all the great things in store with Jill and Kaiser Permanente leading the charge as we continue to reimagine the Heart Walk.”
The campaign is only possible with support of our local Greater Washington Heart Walk sponsors, including Kaiser Permanente , KPMG, Sheehy Auto Stores, Blake Real Estate, Leidos, Pernix Consulting, Perspecta, Digital Realty, GEICO, Phone2Action, Booz Allen Hamilton, Korn Ferry, Novant Health and Executive Mosaic.
Donations can still be made in support of the event at www.GreaterWashingtonHeartWalk.org or by texting GWDCHW to 71777. Follow the American Heart Association on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram use #DCHeartWalk.
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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.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.4 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. https://about.kaiserpermanente.org/
For Media Inquiries:
Roxana Hoveyda, American Heart Association, 216-374-5048, [email protected]
Betty Klinck, Kaiser Permanente, 202-379-8126, [email protected]