Mark Schoeberl 

It is an honor and a privilege to stand for election as Vice President-Elect of the World Heart Federation (WHF). I am grateful to the American Heart Association (AHA) for submitting my nomination and to the WHF Nominating Committee for advancing it for your consideration. I remain inspired by WHF’s unique ability to convene leaders from across the globe to elevate cardiovascular health, reduce inequities, and strengthen the prevention and treatment of heart disease and stroke. If elected, I would be proud to bring the perspectives of foundations and civil society organizations to Board deliberations while supporting collaboration across all member organizations, partners, and regions around the world.

I have worked at the intersection of public health, advocacy, and policy throughout my professional career. As Executive Vice President of Advocacy for the AHA, I lead national and global advocacy initiatives designed to translate science into policy and improve health outcomes. I firmly believe that effective advocacy remains one of our most powerful tools for advancing cardiovascular health and addressing the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases worldwide. I am committed to helping elevate and strengthen WHF’s critically important global advocacy work, drawing upon more than three decades of experience in legislative, regulatory, and coalition-based advocacy at the local, regional, national, and international levels.

I also recognize that strong organizations depend upon strong governance. As Vice President-Elect, I would be committed to ensuring that WHF continues to operate with the highest standards of fiduciary responsibility, transparency, and accountability. Responsible stewardship of resources is essential to maximizing impact, maintaining trust, and ensuring the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of the Federation’s work.

Cardiovascular disease has profoundly shaped my family’s story, past, present, and future. I lost my father to a sudden cardiac event when I was 15 years old, my brother to heart disease while training for a marathon at age 55, and my nephew to cardiomyopathy at young age of 35. I am also the proud father of a son living with a congenital heart defect. These experiences are the foundation of my commitment to our shared mission and remind and inspire me every way as to why our work matters to families everywhere.

In addition to my AHA role, I serve on the board for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and its highly impactful global health advocacy incubator, the World Health Organization’s Acute Care Action Network Steering Committee, and the U.S. based Coalition to Transform Advanced Care. These roles have provided me valuable experience in governance, partnership development, and global health collaboration that I look forward to bringing to work of the Federation.

Finally, I would approach this opportunity with gratitude and humility. WHF’s success is built upon the vision, dedication, and leadership of those who founded, led, and strengthened the organization over many decades. It would be an honor to continue this legacy and join fellow Board members in ensuring a strong future for the World Heart Federation and our mission of heart health for all.

Mark Schoeberl
Executive Vice President, Advocacy – American Heart Association