AxessPointe CEO is Division Board Chair for AHA of Summit and Portage Counties

AKRON, Ohio - July 29, 2019 - PRLog -- The American Heart Association of Summit and Portage counties welcomes Christopher Richardson, CEO of AxessPointe Community Health Centers, as their new Division Board Chair.

Mr. Richardson has been involved with the local division since 2017. He joined AxessPointe in 2015, and previously served as Director of the Oriana House, Inc. ADM Crisis Center for eight years. He replaces former Division Board Chair, Robert DeJournett.

The Division Board Chair is a two-year term, followed by one year as Immediate Past Chair. Richardson will have a staff partner, Executive Director Jenny Peshina. The position brings a combination of skills, experience and passion that inspires those who serve. The Division Board Chair guides a volunteer leadership team that ensures achievement of the AHA's fundraising campaign and health goals in the community. In partnership with the Executive Director, the Chair provides overall direction for the division, with an emphasis on leadership development and campaign goal achievement.

Regarding the fundraising campaign, Mr. Richardson hopes to double the income for the fiscal year through the capital campaign. These dollars are used for medical research for heart disease, prevention, education and research for new treatment efforts.

"Chris is the right person at the right time to continue the great work in leading the AHA in heightening more awareness to cardiovascular and stroke disease in our community. We are blessed to have his leadership as the AHA continues to connect with every sector within our community," said Robert DeJournett.

"The American Heart Association depends on the time and talent of volunteers like Mr. Richardson to help us create a healthier world, free of heart disease and stroke," Peshina said. "We are grateful for his leadership, drive and ambition to help the residents of the Greater Akron area live longer, healthier lives."

The American Heart Association (AHA) is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, with more than 33 million volunteers and supporters as well as more than 3,400 employees. The AHA began in 1924 by the efforts of the founding six cardiologists. The organization has invested over $4.1 billion in research, more than any U.S. nonprofit organization.

AxessPointe Community Health Centers is a federally qualified health center (FQHC) serving more than 18,500 patients in 2018 throughout Summit and Portage counties. AxessPointe has five current sites in Northeast Ohio, including three in Akron, one in Kent and one in Barberton. An FQHC is a non-profit corporation that delivers primary medical, dental and preventive health services in medically underserved areas. AxessPointe also provides pharmacy, women's health and behavioral health services. For more information visit https://axesspointe.org.