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CSRA Executives Lead Centennial Celebration of American Heart Association

Tuesday, January 9th, 2024

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, proudly recognizes the service of distinguished local executives and medical professionals on the CSRA American Heart Association board members during the centennial celebration of the organization.   

The CSRA American Heart Association Board includes the following: 

  • Board Chairman – Matt Merrifield, Aiken Regional Medical Centers 

  • Board President – Dr. Josa Cardenas, Aiken Regional Medical Center 

  • Leadership Development Chair – Jim Clifford, City of North Augusta 

  • President Elect – Dr. Yanbin Dong, Augusta University 

  • Brenda Brown, Patterson Brown & Associates  

  • Dr. Christopher Ledford, Augusta University 

  • Debbie Layman, Layman Farms 

  • Donna Martin, Burke County Board of Education 

  • Dr. Lily J. Hensons, Piedmont Augusta 

  • James Epting, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. 

  • Jay Murray, SunTrust 

  • Jennifer Baggett, ADP 

  • Jennifer Hart, Aiken County Public School System 

  • Dr. Malinda Cobb, Richmond County School District 

  • Dr. Michael Johnson, Piedmont Augusta 

  • Pamela Moore, Retired DOD & Military 

  • Penny Jackson, Columbia County 

  • Shankar Balan, Palmetto Industries, Inc. 

  • Shauntia Lewis, City of Augusta-Augusta Housing and Community Development  

The CSRA Board, comprising individuals with a diverse blend of skills, experience, passion and influence, is dedicated to achieving the fundraising and health impact goals of the Association. Collectively, they continue their concentration on the priority areas of the Association and the community: 

  • Educating on and controlling blood pressure, 

  • Addressing community needs, including CPR knowledge and skills, 

  • Improving food insecurity and nutrition security, 

  • Reducing risk for women and prioritizing diagnosis and treatment, and 

  • Preventing and controlling tobacco and vaping.  

“These remarkable individuals bring their passion, commitment and expertise that will lead our board to success and will help improve the cardiovascular health of our entire CSRA community,” said Ansley Howze, American Heart Association, executive director. “We are grateful for their support in advancing health equity and guiding efforts to reduce the incidences of heart disease and stroke during a monumental year for the Association during a monumental year.” 

Members of the Board generously contribute their time, talent and resources to enhance the community's cardiovascular health through fundraising, education, and advocacy efforts.  

For more information about the CSRA American Heart Association, heart.org/Georgia or /SouthCarolina or contact [email protected].