Victoria J. Smith has been named executive director of the Rhode Island, South Coast and Cape Cod markets of the American Heart Association. In the role, she will be responsible for managing three local boards of directors and $1.5 million in development campaigns, which includes two Go Red for Women Luncheons, the Rhode Island Heart Ball, the Gold Heart Luncheon and three Start! Heart Walks.
PBN: What are you looking forward to in your new position?
SMITH: I am looking forward to connecting the mission of the American Heart Association with key business leaders and the local community. Unfortunately, heart disease and strokes remain [respectively] the No. 1 and No. 3 killers of Americans nationwide. The same statistics apply to Rhode Island. The disease is personal and does not discriminate against those it affects. In most cases, heart disease is preventable and, unfortunately, there are still many who are not aware of the warning signs or do not pay attention to their own heart health. There also is a huge opportunity for the business community to adopt and model by offering heart-healthy options to help employees live more productive, longer and healthier lives.
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PBN: What are some of the ways that people benefit from supporting the American Heart Association?
SMITH: We invested more than $1 billion in scientific research in the last 10 years alone – research that has led to advances such as open-heart surgery and CPR itself. We also invest in professional, public-education, advocacy and community service programs that focus on issues such as stroke prevention, women’s heart health and childhood obesity.
PBN: What initiatives or events are taking place in the coming year?
SMITH: Our next big event is on Worldwide Day of Play, Saturday, Sept. 27, when the American Heart Association and Swarovski will host a WaterFire Providence filled with activities for children of all ages. The festivities will feature presentations by a Frisbee coach, capoeira and jump-rope workshops.
PBN: You established Leading Ladies of Rhode Island – what has been one of its successes so far?
SMITH: Leading Ladies of Rhode Island is an opportunity to bring women from various backgrounds and roles within the state together to create awareness around the importance of heart health in women. It is also an opportunity for women to become role models for their families and co-workers by addressing the importance of taking care of themselves. •
