American Heart Association Announces New Local Leadership & Hires

Newly appointed Executive Director and New Faces Aim to Improve the Heart and Brain Health in Southern New England

Providence, Rhode Island, June 21, 2022 — The American Heart Association (AHA) has announced the promotion of Michelle Clark to Executive Director and the hiring of Frank Maher as Go Red for Women Director, and Gretta Jacobs as Heart Walk Director.

Since 1924, the American Heart Association has grown into an organization of more than 33 million volunteers and supporters dedicated to improving heart health and reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Michelle Clark, Executive Director Southern New England American Heart Association

Michelle Clark, Executive Director Southern New England American Heart Association

Michelle Clark will lead the Southern New England regional team in its continued efforts toward transforming communities, through boots on the ground programs and a focus on issue-based fundraising.

With a B.A. of Finance from the University of Central Florida and M.B.A from George Washington University, Clark led the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Campaign as Development Director for three years. In this role, Clark strategically cultivated relationships within the Southern New England community allowing the AHA to continue to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives in our community.  Currently, Clark resides in East Greenwich, Rhode Island with her husband Chris, and daughters Grace and Lila. On her spare time, she enjoys spending time on the golf course with friends and family.

“I have a sincere appreciation for collaboration and support the direction of the American Heart Association moving toward heavier focus on health equity and the measurable impact we can make here in Southern New England,” said Clark. “I am excited to lead a talented team to help improve the wellbeing of our community.”

Frank Maher, Go Red for Women Campaign Development Director

Frank Maher, Go Red for Women Campaign Development Director

Frank Maher joins the American Heart Association as the Development Director for Go Red for Women campaign. With nearly twenty-five years’ experience in fundraising Maher brings a wealth of experience, having raised over $100M in his career for programs and missions he has represented.

Having worked for organizations including the National Kidney Foundation, Easter Seals, The American Red Cross, Trinity Rep, Save The Bay, and others Frank knows his community and this region. Maher grew up in Rhode Island and now lives with his family, including his partner, their daughter, and two dogs, in Newport, RI. As an advocate for quality and preventative health care Maher is excited to join this team, raising awareness and funding, representing Rhode Island and Southeastern MA.

Gretta Jacobs, Heart Walk Development Director

Gretta Jacobs, Heart Walk Development Director

Gretta Jacobs joins as the Heart Walk Development Director. Jacobs holds a B.A. of English from Rhode Island College. Previously, Jacobs worked for organizations such as WSBE Rhode Island PBS, the American Cancer Society and Big Sisters of Rhode Island. Healthy lifestyle is an important value to Jacobs, who also enjoys instructing yoga and spending her time outdoors. Jacobs is excited to hit the ground running and help improve the cardiovascular and brain health of our local communities.

To learn more about American Heart Association programs, events, and volunteer opportunities, visit heart.org.