Heart Association Announces New Heart Walk Director

Dayton, January 18, 2018 – The Great Rivers Affiliate of the American Heart Association has hired Denise Elsas as Heart Walk Director for the Miami Valley Division.

Ms. Elsas is a graduate of the University of Toledo and holds a bachelor’s degree in Law and Social Thought. Elsas worked for the American Cancer Society in various positions and most recently, for Dayton Children’s where she was a leadership giving officer working with mid-level givers. She is a resident of Versailles, Ohio.

“We are excited to welcome Denise to our tremendous team in Dayton,” said Kelli Dixon, executive director of the Miami Valley Division of the American Heart Association. “She brings a wealth of professional experience and an extensive fundraising background. We look forward to her unique contributions to our events and the skills she brings to help us fulfill our mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.”

In her new role, Elsas is responsible for the Greater Dayton 5k Heart Walk and Run, the single largest fundraising event for the Miami Valley Division. Held annually in September, the event attracts more than 10,000 walkers and runners and raises nearly $400,000. She will also oversee the Clark and Champaign Counties Heart Walk and the overall Healthy for Good cause campaign locally.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke –  the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.