Photo courtesy of AHAPeople
Chair named for 2025-2026 AHA Heart of Montgomery and North Harris Counties
Through the American Heart Association’s Heart Ball campaign, Jim Parisi, volunteer chairperson and president, St. Luke’s Health-The Woodlands, Lakeside and Springwoods Village Hospitals and the Huntsville Emergency Center, will lead community-wide efforts to help ensure every individual in Montgomery and North Harris Counties has the opportunity for a full, healthy life. The Heart Ball engages companies, community leaders and individuals to make a lasting impact across the Four Chambers of the American Heart Association’s work: discovery, advocacy, access and knowledge.
The campaign will come together at the Montgomery and North Harris Heart Ball, celebrating hope and progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere. Parisi is passionate about the Heart Association’s mission because of his daughter. “My daughter was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy in her teens, and later we learned she faced additional complex medical challenges, including early-onset Hypertension. A visit to the Pediatric Emergency Department for ‘abnormal vital signs’ led to further diagnoses: a Mitochondrial Disorder and Cornelia de Lange Syndrome. I am deeply grateful to the dedicated team of Cardiologists, Neurologists, and Geneticists who helped us find answers and manage her cardiac symptoms. We are especially thankful for Dr. David McPherson, whose expertise and compassion have guided her care throughout her young adult life.”
“As volunteer board president of American Heart Association – Gulf Coast it’s a great honor to serve in this role,” said Parisi. “I look forward to partnering with our incredible team of volunteers to drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy and care for healthier people and communities. Creating lasting impact takes all of us — and together, we can build a healthier future for every person in Montgomery and North Harris Counties.”
With more than 30 years of health care experience, Jim Parisi was appointed president of St. Luke’s Health-The Woodlands, Lakeside and Springwoods Village Hospitals and the Huntsville Emergency Center in January 2018. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Tyler, a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington and an associate degree in applied science, nursing, from Central Texas University in Killeen, Texas.
“Jim Parisi brings exceptional vision and energy as president of St. Luke’s Health-The Woodlands, Lakeside and Springwoods Village Hospitals and the Huntsville Emergency Center. His commitment to the American Heart Association’s mission, combined with a clear passion for improving the well-being of our community, makes him an outstanding choice to lead this year’s campaign,” TJ Tijerina, volunteer board chairperson of American Heart Association – Gulf Coast and chief executive officer, First Community Credit Union. “We welcome Parisi as chairperson of the Montgomery and North Harris Heart Ball campaign, which unites leaders across our community to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere.”
The 2026 Montgomery and North Harris Heart Ball is presented by St. Luke’s Health-The Woodlands Hospital and sponsored locally by HCA Houston Healthcare, Encompass Health, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott and Memorial Hermann. It will be held on February 21, 2026, at 6:00 pm at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. The annual event is a night to celebrate the Heart Association’s year-round efforts to build a healthier Montgomery and North Harris Counties. Throughout the evening, the Heart Association will honor volunteers and patrons, share survivor stories and entertain guests with dinner, dancing and an auction. For more information on how to support or attend the Heart Ball, visit 2026 Montgomery & North Harris County Heart Ball or contact development director, Faith Eberwein, Faith.Eberwein@heart.org.
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
