Mark Garrett, Chief People Officer at Garney, has been named volunteer chair of the American Heart Association’s Heart of Kansas City campaign. Garrett will lead a community-wide effort to help ensure every person in Kansas City has the opportunity for a full, healthy life. His appointment emphasizes a people-first approach to community health and local engagement.
The Heart of Kansas City campaign convenes companies, community leaders and individuals to make a lasting impact across the American Heart Association’s Four Chambers: discovery, advocacy, access and knowledge. The campaign’s activities are intended to support research, public policy efforts, equitable access to care and community education that together aim to improve cardiovascular health across the Kansas City region.
Garrett brings executive experience from senior leadership roles in both operations and human resources. His prior positions include senior roles at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Smithfield Foods, the Kansas City Public School District and Hallmark Cards. Before joining Garney, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources and Operations Officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
Garrett’s commitment to the region is reflected in his board service: he currently serves on the boards for Driven Development, the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, Phoenix Family, the Kansas City Sports Commission and the Strategic Advisory Board of Blue Cross and Blue Shield. He has also previously served on boards for the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Rose Brooks, Children’s International, Feed the Children and Baptist News Global.
Carla Duyree, volunteer board chair of American Heart Association – Kansas City, offered public endorsement of Garrett’s selection, highlighting his vision, energy and commitment to the AHA mission. Duyree said Garrett’s combination of community leadership and passion for improving local well-being make him an outstanding choice to chair the Heart of Kansas City campaign.
Garrett described a personal motivation for his involvement, noting that numerous families, including his own, have been affected by heart-health issues. He said that personal connection drives his passion for raising funds and awareness for the AHA’s work and that he is honored to serve as Heart Ball chair to advance the organization’s vision of longer, healthier lives for all.
The Heart of Kansas City campaign will culminate in the Kansas City Heart Ball, an annual fundraising and recognition event that celebrates the American Heart Association’s efforts in the community. The 2027 Kansas City Heart Ball is scheduled for February 27 and will be held at The Loews Kansas City Hotel.
The Heart Ball serves multiple purposes: to raise funds that support the AHA’s local and national programs; to honor volunteers and patrons who support the mission; and to share survivor stories that reflect the human impact of cardiovascular disease and stroke. The evening’s program will include dinner, dancing and an auction.
Corporate sponsors named for the 2027 Kansas City Heart Ball include Garney, JE Dunn Construction and Lockton, along with many other local companies committed to improving health and well-being in the Kansas City community. These sponsors support the event’s fundraising and community engagement objectives.
For information on supporting or attending the Kansas City Heart Ball, the source directs readers to visit www.heart.org/kcheartball. The announcement also provides a direct contact for event inquiries: Jackie McMahon at Jackie.McMahon@heart.org.
The American Heart Association is presented in the source as a long-standing organization dedicated to advancing equitable health in all communities. The AHA funds research, advocates for public health policy, and provides resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. The organization supports its mission through volunteers and partners, driving breakthroughs and implementing solutions in science, policy and care.
Media inquiries related to this announcement are directed to DeEtta Lee, Senior Communications Director, at DeEtta.Lee@heart.org or by phone at 515-250-8392. Public inquiries may be directed to the AHA customer service number, 1-800-AHA-USA1. Additional organizational information and resources are available via heart.org and stroke.org, as noted in the source.