Photo Credit: American Heart Association People
American Heart Association announces new leadership for Greater Houston and the Gulf Coast
The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to heart and brain health for all, announces two key leadership appointments that position the Greater Houston and Gulf Coast markets for accelerated growth and stronger community impact. Kellie Armstrong has been named senior executive director for the Greater Houston market, and Lisa Fenley has been appointed executive director for the Gulf Coast.
These appointments formally acknowledge the leadership roles Armstrong and Fenley have been fulfilling over the past 18 months, during which the pair has elevated mission delivery across the region and helped restore critical momentum. Their combined leadership – referred to by volunteers as a “dynamic duo” – reflects a shared commitment to expanding the organization’s mission footprint and driving transformational health outcomes across Greater Houston.
Over the last year and a half, Armstrong stepped in to stabilize and rebuild the Houston market, helping elevate the critical work of the American Heart Association by strengthening partnerships with health systems, hospitals, clinics, schools and community leaders. During this same period, Fenley stepped forward to lead the Gulf Coast market, further strengthening the region’s community impact while providing steady, mission-driven work. Together, their leadership has supported efforts to advance evidence-based strategies around hypertension control, women’s health, nutrition security and community readiness-including the association’s goal of ensuring that every household has at least one person prepared to perform lifesaving CPR.
Fenley’s continued leadership has been pivotal in expanding the association’s presence across the region. Her focus, discipline and unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission have advanced key health strategies and broadened heart and stroke awareness across the communities the association serves. Backed by more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Fenley continues to guide mission-driven progress across the region.
As executive director for the Gulf Coast, Fenley will oversee strategic initiatives to expand heart health education, CPR awareness, women’s health programming and community partnerships aimed at improving cardiovascular outcomes.
“Lisa is an exceptional leader who’s steady, mission-driven approach has strengthened our regional impact and elevated our work across the Gulf Coast,” Armstrong said. “She has earned the trust of volunteers, partners and community leaders, and her strong ties to Montgomery County uniquely position her to lead the Gulf Coast into its next chapter.”
“I am honored to serve the Gulf Coast in this new capacity,” Fenley said. “This community is home for my family, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue building on our work to increase awareness of heart disease and stroke, the No. 1 and No. 4 leading causes of death in our community. Together with our volunteers, partners and supporters, we will move our mission forward in meaningful ways.”
“We are entering a new chapter of strength and opportunity for both Greater Houston and the Gulf Coast,” Armstrong said. “Our momentum is strong; our vision is clear and our commitment to the communities we serve has never been greater.”
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 one hundred 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, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Source: American Heart Association
