SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The American Heart Association recently announced it has named Keri Sweet Zavaglia as chairwoman of the 2022 Syracuse Heart Challenge.

In this role, Sweet Zavaglia, SVP and U.S. general counsel of National Grid, is charged with a $580,000 fundraising goal to support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association, according to a Dec. 1 news release from the association.

The American Heart Association’s Heart Challenge involves activities and initiatives designed to “help companies positively impact employee overall health and well-being,” the organization said. The program is anchored in a series of customizable workplace events designed help employees get more engaged, reconnect with colleagues, get in their physical activity, support a great cause, and have fun doing it. 

“I have had family members and colleagues affected by cardiovascular disease and their health scares caused me to do more research,” said Sweet Zavaglia. “What I learned is that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. But, I also learned that most cardiovascular disease is preventable. For nearly 100 years, the American Heart Association has been helping people live longer, healthier lives and I want to do my part.”

The association’s popular Syracuse Heart Challenge event will return in person with a walk event on April 24 at SRC Arena at Onondaga Community College. This is the 38th year for the Heart Challenge, previously called the Heart Walk. The Heart Challenge unites the community in celebrating health and honoring survivors, the American Heart Association said.