The American Heart Association announced on July 24, 2026, that Alex Almazan will serve as chair of the Southeast Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 fiscal year. This appointment begins a second consecutive term for Almazan and continues his leadership role within the organization at a regional level.
Almazan’s reappointment is framed as an effort to build on recent momentum across the Southeast region, expand the Association’s reach, strengthen partnerships with community and corporate stakeholders, and recruit new leaders to help address cardiovascular health challenges in the region.
Almazan is the founder and managing partner of Almazan Law, described in the release as a Florida-based, minority-owned litigation and defense firm. The announcement highlights his extensive volunteer leadership within the American Heart Association, noting multiple prior roles that include chair of the former Greater Miami–Ft. Lauderdale Board and chair of the Miami Heart Walk.
He also served as a leader of the Association’s National Cultural and Engagement Committee and participated on national committees focused on strategic planning and mission advancement. Those roles are credited in the release with shaping national initiatives and contributing to the AHA’s broader objectives.
During his second term as chair, Almazan intends to focus on three primary priorities described in the release:
Expanding youth engagement through student-led Heart Clubs in high schools and colleges, to connect the next generation with the AHA’s mission and volunteer opportunities.
Driving deeper corporate participation through Heart Walks, encouraging businesses to engage more fully with fundraising and community health activities.
Strengthening community impact by supporting and energizing local boards across the Southeast to deliver programs and partnerships tailored to regional needs.
The release quotes Almazan emphasizing the diversity and need within the Southeast, stating there is “real work left to do,” and expressing gratitude to continue that work alongside a committed team.
The American Heart Association Southeast region, as defined in the announcement, serves Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Puerto Rico. The Southeast Board of Directors helps guide the Association’s efforts in the region to reduce the incidence of heart disease and stroke, which the release identifies as the Nos. 1 and 5 leading causes of death for American men and women, respectively.
Board members are expected to assist in directing regional priorities, expanding community partnerships, fostering volunteer leadership, and supporting programming that advances the AHA’s mission locally and regionally.
The release reiterates the American Heart Association’s mission: to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives. It describes the organization as dedicated to equitable health in all communities and notes more than a century of service as a leading source of health information. The AHA is said to support research funding, public health advocacy, and resources that aim to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke.
The announcement refers to a global volunteer base and the Association’s work to drive breakthroughs and implement solutions across science, policy and care to advance health and transform lives.
For media inquiries, the release lists Melissa Solis with an email contact: melissa.solis@heart.org. For public inquiries, the release provides the AHA phone number 1-800-AHA-USA1 (1-800-242-8721).
The full regional coverage and the focus areas described in this release reflect the AHA’s strategy to engage youth, corporate partners and local boards to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease and stroke across the Southeast. The announcement is a regional leadership update and does not report additional program metrics, budgets, or timelines beyond the stated priorities and geographic scope.