Michael Kruse leads 2023-2024 New York City Heart Challenge™, a community campaign focused on engaging local organizations and their employees to join the fight against heart disease and stroke
Michael Kruse, Head of Global Banking and Markets, U.S. for Scotiabank is working hand-in-hand with the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, to fight cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in New York City. Kru
se will serve as chair for the 2023-2024 New York City Heart Challenge™, a community campaign focused on engaging local organizations and their employees to join the fight against heart disease and stroke.
“It is my honor to serve as Chair of the 2023-2024 New York City Heart Challenge as we work relentlessly to champion heart and brain health for all New Yorkers,” said Michael Kruse, Head of Global Banking and Markets, US for Scotiabank. “By collaborating with the American Heart Association, we at Scotiabank are committed to building a healthier workforce, improving total well-being and empowering everyone who calls New York City home by positively impacting the health of this community.”
In 2024, the American Heart Association will celebrate its centennial year, meaning that Kruse will have the special distinction of serving as the New York City Heart Challenge campaign’s Centennial Chair. The American Heart Association’s centennial is a celebration of the lifesaving achievements and shared vision for a bold second century that will exponentially advance heart and brain health. The Association will continue to lead breakthroughs in science and technology, improve healthcare and advocate for federal, state, and local policies that drive healthier lifestyles.
As Centennial Chair of the New York City Heart Challenge, Kruse will work with the Association and other top leaders in our community to engage businesses year-round through four purpose driven initiatives: Wall Street Run & Heart Walk, CycleNation, Team Heart & Stroke (New York City Marathon team) and Field Day. These initiatives are designed to create a healthy workforce that is engaged through connection, strengthened through health & well-being, empowered through community impact, and inspired through purpose, all while raising significant funds to drive equitable health across our community.
“We are incredibly grateful for these leaders who are stepping up to move the needle when it comes to heart disease and stroke” said Meg Gilmartin, Executive Director and Senior Vice President, American Heart Association, New York City. “Through the various Heart Challenge initiatives, we are able to drive maximum impact through employee engagement and corporate fundraising. Together, we can save lives right here in New York City.”
Heart disease and stroke are largely preventable and how you eat, move and manage stress impacts your well-being, physically and mentally. Heart Challenge provides resources, tools and activities to support both mental and physical well-being for employers and employees.
The Heart Challenge campaign’s signature event, the Wall Street Run & Heart Walk, brings our community together for a 3-mile course through Manhattan’s Downtown Financial District and a festival on the Brookfield Place Waterfront. For over 40 years, this event has been celebrating the impact of the Association’s mission and uniting hundreds of companies and thousands of participants across the NYC area. The event promotes heart health through physical activity, friendly competition, volunteerism, fundraising and fun.
The 2024 Wall Street Run & Heart Walk and festival will be held at Brookfield Place at 200 Vesey Street, New York, NY Thursday, May 16 from 5-8pm (race time 6:30pm)
The 2024 Wall Street Run & Heart Walk is sponsored by Healthy for Good Sponsors: Brookfield, Citi, NYU Langone Health, and Live Fierce. Be Well Sponsor: Scotiabank. The Signature Sponsor is Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP. Campaign sponsor is Paul Hastings and event sponsor is Centers Health Care.
For more information about Heart Challenge™ or to get your company involved, contact [email protected] or visit heartwalknyc.org