American Heart Association announces 2 Greater Houston area leadership appointments

The American Heart Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to heart and brain health, in March announced two leadership appointments for the Greater Houston and Gulf Coast markets.

Key players

Kellie Armstrong was named senior executive director for the Greater Houston market, and Lisa Fenley was appointed executive director for the Gulf Coast, according to a news release.

According to the release, Armstrong and Fenley have been acting in the roles for 18 months, working to heighten mission delivery and momentum in the region.

Their work includes strengthening partnerships with health systems, hospitals, clinics, schools and community leaders, according to the release. Leadership efforts include supporting efforts to advance evidence-based strategies around:

HypertensionWomen’s healthNutrition securityCommunity readiness (including CPR)More details

With more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Fenley will oversee initiatives to expand heart health education, CPR awareness, women’s health programming and community partnerships focused on improving cardiovascular outcomes, according to the release.

“Lisa is an exceptional leader who’s steady, mission-driven approach has strengthened our regional impact and elevated our work across the Gulf Coast,” Armstrong said. “She has earned the trust of volunteers, partners and community leaders, and her strong ties to Montgomery County uniquely position her to lead the Gulf Coast into its next chapter.”

What they’re saying

“I am honored to serve the Gulf Coast in this new capacity,” Fenley said. “This community is home for my family, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue building on our work to increase awareness of heart disease and stroke, the No. 1 and No. 4 leading causes of death in our community. Together with our volunteers, partners and supporters, we will move our mission forward in meaningful ways.”

“We are entering a new chapter of strength and opportunity for both Greater Houston and the Gulf Coast,” Armstrong said. “Our momentum is strong; our vision is clear and our commitment to the communities we serve has never been greater.”