American Heart Association’s Southwest Florida Board earns national Gold Standard recognition
The American Heart Association announces its Southwest Florida Board has achieved the Association’s prestigious Gold Standard Board designation for the 2024–2025 fiscal year. It’s an honor earned by Association markets that exceed ambitious benchmarks in leadership engagement, revenue generation and mission impact.
This recognition is accompanied by a milestone achievement: the Southwest Florida Board has delivered over $1 million in year-over-year revenue growth, placing it among the top-performing markets nationwide.
“This achievement is a testament to the power of passionate leadership and unwavering community dedication,” said Jessaca Rodriguez, executive director of the American Heart Association, Southwest Florida. “From day one of this fiscal year, our board embraced the mission with focus, determination, and heart. Their commitment helped deliver one of the most successful years our market has ever experienced. I’m deeply grateful for this incredible team of volunteer leaders.”
The metro board’s success was driven by a diverse group of corporate, clinical and community leaders dedicated to advancing the American Heart Association’s mission across Lee and Collier counties. Together, they helped power vital community work throughout the region—from expanding maternal health resources and CPR education to advancing equitable health, funding research and supporting advocacy efforts.
As board chairperson, PJ Bimonte, manager of service operations at Arthrex, provided thoughtful leadership and helped elevate the board’s influence and effectiveness across the region.
“Achievements like this are only possible when collaboration meets passion,” said Bimonte. “We’ve shown that when leaders come together in pursuit of a shared mission, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish.”
Board President Dr. Eric Eason, pediatric cardiologist at Lee Health, provided strategic leadership and helped strengthen the board’s overall impact, fostering alignment around shared goals and deepening community connections.
“It’s inspiring to see the power of collaboration in action,” said Dr. Eason. “By bringing together key community partners, we’ve sparked meaningful change; from expanding CPR education throughout Southwest Florida to sharing impactful stories that educate and uplift. Together, we’re shaping a healthier, more informed community.”
Looking ahead, the board is well-positioned for continued impact with the incoming leadership, including board chairperson-elect (2025-2027) Tracy Duhaney, Amboseli Group, president-elect (2025-2027) Dr. Mazen Albaghdadi, cardiologist at NCH. Both leaders are poised to continue building on this year’s momentum and deepening community engagement.
The 2025-2026 Southwest Florida Board also includes a dynamic group of individuals committed to the mission of the American Heart Association:
- Pam Calligaro, retired
- Soren T. Christensen, Advance Wealth Advisors
- Adam Dejong, Lee Health
- Dr. Eric Eason, Lee Health
- Dr. Orlando Escarcega, Florida Heart Associates
- Commander Jamie Cunningham, Collier County Sheriff
- Jason Grabowski, B&I Contractors
- Margo Kidd, Discovery Senior Living
- Phil Loiacano, Transcend Capital Advisors