AUSTIN, July 1, 2022 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is excited to announce Dr. Caitlin Giesler as the new President of the Board of Directors in Central Texas. Dr. Giesler succeeds Dr. Amin Al-Ahmad who completed his two-year term on June 30.
“It was my honor to serve as AHA Board President for Central Texas over the last two years,” said Dr. Al-Ahmad. “I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to serve our patients in the greater community and to advance the prevention and treatment of heart disease.”
“Dr. Al-Ahmad has been a true leader for our Central Texas Board of Directors,” said Executive Director Drew Thomas. “His expertise provided valuable insight that successfully helped us grow our impact and vision through unprecedented times.”
Dr. Giesler is currently the Director of the Women’s Heart Center at Ascension Texas Cardiovascular in Austin, Texas. She began her career practicing general cardiology and in 2017 transitioned to treating and investigating cardiovascular diseases in women full time. She has been the principal investigator on several research studies at Ascension Seton including the HARP and WARRIOR Trials.
“I am humbled to be accepting the position and continuing the amazing work done by Dr. Al-Ahmad over the past 2 years,” said Dr. Giesler. “His time and wisdom have been instrumental in extending the AHA’s reach in Central Texas. I am honored to serve our Central Texas community by improving heart health and awareness with the AHA. As our community grows, we are uniquely positioned to impact those who are under-resourced and under-treated with local projects and education.”
Dr. Giesler is passionate about women’s heart and brain health and has served the American Heart Association in a variety of roles, specifically with the Go Red for Women® and Vestido Rojo campaigns. In 2022, Dr. Giesler co-chaired the annual Go Red for Women initiative with Nina Seely. Dr. Giesler is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, a member of the Travis County Medical Society, in addition to the Texas Medical Association.
“We are very lucky to have a leader like Dr. Caitlin Giesler stepping in as our Board President,” said Thomas. “She has been an inspiration to many and in this role she will play a vital part in the AHA growing its mission across Central Texas.”
The American Heart Association engages leaders from several Austin organizations to join forces and make a positive health impact on the community through awareness, fundraising and advocating for policy changes that improve heart health and patient care. The Board President is responsible for representing and guiding the American Heart Association in Central Texas on science, medical, health and public policy matters.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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For Media Inquiries and AHA/ASA Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173
Megan Jameson: 512.338.2639, [email protected]
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org