GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The American Heart Association of West Michigan has selected four people as nominees for its Leaders of Impact initiative.
The four local nominees are heart attack survivor Paulette Cancler [CHANS’-ler], Black Diamond Group general manager Michael Hebreard [HEE’-bree-ard], Lake Michigan Credit Union Vice President of Community Relations Matt Cook, and Kate Veenstra, chief nursing officer at U-of-M Heath West.
It’s a seven-week national campaign to educate people about Hands-Only CPR.
Remi Monaghan is the local marketing/communications director for the American Heart Association. She told WOOD Radio in a telephone interview they are raising awareness and funds for CPR, scientific research and health.
"They are digging into their communities, their networks, their friends and families to really raise their fundraising goal," Monaghan said. "Each one of them has set a different goal for themselves."
Here are more details provided in an AHA of West Michigan news release:
Launched on Sept. 18th, individuals nominated for the Leaders of Impact awards, in almost 100 cities across the country, will begin a seven-week competition to improve health within their local communities. Monday, Sept. 13th marks the halfway point of the campaign. They will leverage their collective influence to educate people on the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR and raise funds that are critical to drive pioneering scientific research and support health and well-being for everyone, everywhere.
The Association has funded more than $6.1 billion in cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and brain health research since 1949, making it the single largest nonprofit, non-government supporter of heart and brain health research in the U.S. There are 2,200 research projects currently underway, totaling more than $584 million in funding supported by the Association. In Michigan, the Heart Association gives more funds in research in the state than we raise each year. New knowledge resulting from this funding continues to save lives and directly impact millions of people in every corner of the U.S. and around the world.
“These exceptional volunteers are helping to propel the American Heart Association’s work toward creating a world free of cardiovascular disease and stroke,” said Logann Poley, Senior Development Director for the American Heart Association in West Michigan. “This program allows Grand Rapids leaders and stakeholders to drive change in their local communities, creating a healthier future for everyone.”
Grand Rapids’ 2025 Leaders of Impact Nominees are:
Paulette Cancler
Paulette Cancler, a survivor and volunteer of over a decade, is eager to join the Leaders of Impact campaign. In 2015, Paulette suffered a widow maker heart attack and was given a 1% chance of survival. Since then, she has had seven heart surgeries and relies on a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) to keep her heart beating. Paulette boldly shares the role the American Heart Association has played in giving her more time with her family, especially her grandbabies, and proudly asks the community to join her in supporting.
Michael Hebreard
Michael Hebreard is leading the way as a Leaders of Impact nominee this year. Michael, General Manager at Black Diamond Group, is also a member of the Heart Association’s West Michigan Board of Directors and an avid advocate of our impact. Michael’s family has been directly impacted by heart disease; a reality most American families know too well. Because of this, Michael is ready to make an impact.
Matt Cook
Matt Cook, Vice President of Community Relations at Lake Michigan Credit Union, is a champion for heart health. Matt is a community leader who is invested in improving lives of those right here in our neighborhoods. Matt is boldly bringing his community along with him to save and change lives through Leaders of Impact.
Kate Veenstra
As the Chief Nursing Officer at U of M Health-West and an active West Michigan Board member for the Heart Association, Kate Veenstra has seen first-hand the impacts of heart disease on families and the community, including her own. As a Leaders of Impact nominee, Kate brings with her a passion for creating opportunities for healthier lives.
The campaign will culminate on November 5, 2025.
For more information on the Leaders of Impact Initiative or to support one of this year’s nominees click here.
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About the American Heart Association
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.