Jason Cannon brings professional expertise and personal commitment to campaign for longer, healthier lives
PITTSBURGH, Dec. 1, 2025 — For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. This year, through the Heart of Pittsburgh’s Heart Ball campaign, Jason Cannon, senior vice president at CBRE and volunteer chair, will lead community-wide efforts to ensure Pittsburghers have the opportunity for a full, healthy life.
The Heart Ball celebrates hope and progress made possible by the dedication and passion of those who support the Association’s mission. These efforts include the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery, public policy change, equitable health for all and education that empowers individuals to take control of their health.
Cannon is a lifelong Pittsburgher and a respected leader in the commercial real estate community. Known for his client-first approach and deep market knowledge, he has built a career advising some of the region’s top retailers, entrepreneurs, and property owners. His commitment to health, however, extends beyond his professional life into his personal journey.
“For my wife Monica and me, our involvement with the American Heart Association is deeply personal,” said Cannon. “It’s inspired by the strength and tenacity of our son Grayson.”
Grayson was born with a heart murmur caused by an atrial and ventricular septal defect (VSD). Though asymptomatic and thriving, doctors monitored him closely until age nine, when an MRI revealed his heart was enlarged and surgery was necessary. Grayson underwent open-heart surgery, recovered remarkably fast, and was home within two days. Today, nearly two years later, he is healthy, active in sports and only needs checkups every two years, a blessing his family deeply cherishes.
“I am honored to serve as the 2026 Heart of Pittsburgh Heart Ball Chair,” Cannon continued. “I look forward to working with our outstanding team of volunteers and the American Heart Association to remove barriers to health, invest in groundbreaking research, deliver impactful education and advocate for healthy policies. It takes a village to make a lasting impact and we must do whatever it takes to create a better tomorrow for everyone in our region.”
“Jason exemplifies exceptional leadership and dedication in his role as a senior executive at CBRE,” said Matthew Sousa, executive director of the American Heart Association in Pittsburgh. “His deep passion for our mission and unwavering commitment to improving community health make him the ideal choice to chair this year’s campaign.
We’re thrilled to have him lead this important initiative focused on advancing health equity, addressing critical issues and ultimately saving lives.”
The 2026 Pittsburgh Heart Ball will be held on April 17 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. This annual event celebrates the Association’s year-round efforts to break down barriers to health in the greater Pittsburgh region. Guests will enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing and an exciting auction while hearing inspiring stories of survivors and honoring volunteers and patrons. For more information on how to support or attend the Pittsburgh Heart Ball, visit www.heart.org/HeartOfPittsburgh or contact Monica Corchado; monica.corchado@heart.org.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Karen Colbert: 42.208.3556; karen.colbert@heart.org