The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, has announced its 2026-2027 board of directors in the CSRA. Dr. Michael Johnson, cardiologist with Piedmont Augusta, will serve as board president, while Penny Jackson, associate superintendent of Columbia County School District, will serve as board chair.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Johnson and Penny to lead our board and help us make an even greater impact across the community,” said Blaire Marvin, executive director of the American Heart Association in the CSRA. “Their leadership, passion for service and commitment to improving health outcomes will help advance our mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Together with our board members and volunteers, they will help drive meaningful change across the communities we serve.”

Dr. Michael Johnson assumes the role of board president after serving the American Heart Association in numerous volunteer leadership positions, including as chair of the 2025 CSRA Heart Ball.

“It’s an honor to continue supporting the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association on a deeper level,” said Dr. Johnson. “Heart disease remains a leading health challenge in our region, and I look forward to working alongside fellow board members, volunteers and community partners to improve cardiovascular health, expand access to care and ensure more people can live longer, healthier lives.”

Penny Jackson is also a longtime American Heart Association supporter and volunteer. She currently serves as associate superintendent of student support and school operations with the Columbia County School District.

“The American Heart Association’s work extends far beyond healthcare and reaches into every part of our community, including our schools and families,” said Jackson. “I am honored to serve as board chair and look forward to helping strengthen partnerships that support health, well-being and opportunities for people of all ages throughout the CSRA.”

The volunteer board of directors provides strategic leadership and guidance to advance the American Heart Association’s mission throughout the CSRA. The full board of directors includes:

• Jennifer Bagget, ADP
• Jim Clifford, City of North Augusta
• Joanna Conley, Doctors Hospital of Augusta
• Dr. Yanbin Dong, Augusta University
• Jessica Edmonds, Piedmont Augusta
• Jennifer Hart, Strategic People Operations
• Chair: Penny Jackson, Columbia County School District
• President: Dr. Michael Johnson, Piedmont Augusta
• Debbie Layman, Layman Farms
• Dr. Christopher Ledford, Augusta University
• Donna Martin, Burke County Board of Education
• Matt Merrifield, Aiken Regional Medical Center
• Pamela Moore, retired
• Ralph Turner, Wellstar MCG Health
• Richard Zaharek, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions