The American Heart Association announced today that Michael Kushnir, a partner in Nutter’s corporate and transactions department, has been named chairperson of the 2024 Lawyers Have Heart 5K, which will take place on June 6 in the Boston Seaport.
Kushnir’s personal journey as a heart disease survivor fuels his commitment to the mission of the American Heart Association. Born with transposition of the great vessels, he has undergone nine heart surgeries.
“As someone who has lived with heart disease his whole life, I understand the importance of the American Heart Association’s mission,” said Kushnir. “I am thrilled to lead this year’s Lawyers Have Heart campaign, which will advance medical breakthroughs for those affected by cardiovascular disease, while also advocating for policy changes to promote health equity in Greater Boston and beyond.”
The 2024 Lawyers Have Heart 5K takes place on June 6 at Flynn Cruiseport Boston. The event, which has been held annually since 2008, brings runners and walkers together from across the region to raise awareness of cardiovascular health, particularly among members of the legal community. Registration is open at LHHBoston.org.
Kushnir will lead a team of Greater Boston attorneys and executives that will recruit companies and organizations to take part in this year’s campaign. The Executive Leadership Team and supporting organizations will raise funds for the American Heart Association while leading action-oriented conversations about employee health, corporate engagement, community health and community transformation.
Also serving on the Executive Leadership Team are Alexis Argiros, manager, EY Forensic & Integrity Services; Alexandra Briggs, partner, Hinckley Allen; Brian Christie, managing partner, FTI Consulting; Taylor Hart, partner, Ropes & Gray; Helene Horn Figman, principal, Law Offices of Helene Horn Figman; William Lovett, partner, Lovett O’Brien; Rick Ordemann, director, RSM US; Clifford Pascarella, associate, Gordon, Rees, Scully & Mansukhani; Timothy Rennie, associate, Nutter; Robert Sparkes III, partner, K&L Gates.
“We are incredibly grateful for these leaders who are stepping up to move the needle when it comes to saving lives from heart disease and stroke,” said Thomas Lee, chair of the American Heart Association’s Board of Directors in Boston. “Through Lawyers Have Heart, we are driving maximum impact through employee engagement and corporate fundraising. Together, we can save lives right here in Greater Boston.”
Kushnir’s legal expertise includes representing family-owned businesses, capital providers, and emerging and high-growth companies in complex transactions and general corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions and strategic business planning. He regularly acts as outside general legal counsel to early stage and mature companies in a broad range of industries, including technology, software, food service and hospitality, manufacturing, retailing, and professional services.
Passionate about supporting the American Heart Association, Kushnir has often been the top fundraiser for the Lawyers Have Heart 5K. He regularly speaks on behalf of the Association, and in 2009 he delivered the keynote address at the New Hampshire Heart Ball.
For more information about Lawyers Have Heart or to get your company involved, contact Nancy Gottesman, development director, at [email protected] or visit LHHBoston.org.