LOS ANGELES, June 30, 2025 — The American Heart Association Greater Los Angeles is proud to welcome five distinguished professionals to its board of directors. These new members bring diverse expertise in healthcare, research and strategic development to support the Association’s vision of advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere.
Kendal Ajdaharian, senior ESG Stewardship analyst at Capital Group, brings a strong background in sustainable investment and corporate engagement across key U.S. sectors, as well as experience guiding long-term, socially responsible investment strategies.
Shannon Bradley, MBA, chief health equity, inclusion and community officer at Keck Medicine of USC, leads system-wide efforts to advance health equity, workforce development and community partnerships.
Michael Burke, MHA, chief of market development for UCLA Health and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, leads strategic growth and global outreach, with a focus on patient experience, brand expansion and operational excellence.
Priscilla Hsue, MD, chief of the Division of Cardiology at the UCLA Department of Medicine, is a nationally recognized cardiologist. Dr. Hsue’s groundbreaking research in cardiovascular disease among people living with HIV has significantly contributed to the understanding of inflammation-driven heart disease.
Ashwin Singhania, partner and principal in EY-Parthenon’s Life Sciences practice, is a seasoned strategist with over 20 years of experience advising biopharmaceutical and medical technology companies, with expertise in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
Retired Warner Bros. executive Ed Romano continues to serve as board chairperson, and cardiologist David Sato, MD, president of Providence Specialty Medical Group, remains as board president.
Continuing their board service are Betsy Hart, president and CEO of Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center, and chairperson of the Association’s 2026 Go Red for Women campaign; Elizabeth Haynes, former senior vice president at Torrid and current Torrid Foundation board member; Carolyn Kaloostian, MD, MPH, assistant professor of clinical family medicine and geriatrics at Keck Medicine of USC; Hans Ku, executive at The Walt Disney Co.; Perika Sampson, founder of Sampson Dearborn Consulting; Americo Simonini, MD, a cardiologist with his own practice, Simonini Cardiology, and who has also been on staff at Cedars Sinai and UCLA Health; and Elsa Valay-Paz, vice president of gas acquisition for SoCal Gas.
“These leaders bring invaluable insight and passion to our mission,” said Linda Tsai, Executive Director of the American Heart Association Greater Los Angeles. “Their guidance will help us expand our impact and improve more lives as we continue our work of advancing health and hope for all.”
The American Heart Association’s priorities in Los Angeles include:
- Reducing uncontrolled high blood pressure. In LA County, more than 2 million people have uncontrolled high blood pressure, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Association works with clinics in under-resourced communities to increase access to care and improve hypertension control by training health care staff, promoting system changes and engaging patients in blood pressure self-monitoring. The goal by 2028 is to help 5% of Angelenos with hypertension get their blood pressure under control.
- Improving nutrition security. LA County is home to the largest number of food-insecure people in the country, affecting 1 in 5 individuals. The Association advocates for policies that increase access to healthy food, collaborates with local organizations to establish nutrition security screening and referrals for high need individuals, and provides nutrition education to promote health.
- Reducing cardiovascular disease risk in women. CVD is the leading cause of death among women in Los Angeles. Black women are three times more likely than any other race to die during or immediately after pregnancy due to societal barriers and systems that have harmed their health for decades. The Association’s goal is to decrease pregnancy-related cardiovascular deaths in LA County by 3% by 2028 through women-focused research investments and community outreach.
- Building a Nation of Lifesavers. Nine out of 10 people who have cardiac arrest outside a hospital die. The Association’s goal is to double the survival rate for cardiac arrest by 2030 and teach CPR and Hands-Only CPR to 1 million students and adults in Los Angeles.
- Accelerating innovative, lifesaving research. The Association funds the most meritorious science anywhere for the greatest chance of saving lives everywhere and has invested more than $5.9 billion in heart and brain health research since 1949.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than 100 years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, on Facebook, Instagram and X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Media inquiries:
Kristine Kelly, kristine.kelly@heart.org
Luis Cruz, luis.cruz@heart.org
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