Sioux Falls Companies Step Up To Save Lives
Madison Olafson
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in South Dakota, and several companies and individuals are working hand-in-hand with the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, to change that through the 2024 Sioux Falls Heart Walk.
Madison Olafson, Wealth Management Development and Trust Advisor with Security National Bank will serve as chair for the 2024 Sioux Falls Heart Walk, a community campaign focused on engaging local companies, corporations and their employees to join the fight against heart disease and stroke.
“I said ‘yes’ to leading this campaign because I believe in the power of collective action for a cause as vital as heart health,” said Olafson. “By leading this effort, I am not only advocating for better physical health but also for the emotional well-being that comes with knowing we are taking steps, literally and figuratively, towards a healthier future for all.”
As chair of the Heart Walk, Olafson will lead a team of 10 Sioux Falls executives to recruit companies and organizations to take part in the Heart Walk and Executives with Heart. Through these initiatives, the leadership team and supporting organizations will raise funds for the American Heart Association, while leading action-oriented conversations about employee health, corporate engagement, community health and community transformation.
Also serving in leadership roles on the Heart Walk Executive Leadership Team are:
Jim Woster, retired
Sheku Bannister, Midco market account executive & Survival Records CEO
Ryan Gardner, Lawrence & Schiller vice president of finance
Lisa Gerner, PREMIER Bankcard EVP and CFO
Mick Gibbs, Avera Heart Hospital president and CEO
Shelly Hagen, Avera Medical Group neurology clinic manager
Kayla Jarchow, Book Your Billboard account executive
Maria Taylor, Citibank executive analyst
Lori Visker, Sanford Health director
Valerie Willson, SD Soybean program manager
Woster also has been named chair of Executives with Heart which engages corporate leaders to make meaningful, personal gifts to support the American Heart Association’s 2024 Impact Goal.
“We are incredibly grateful for these leaders who are stepping up to move the needle when it comes to heart disease and stroke” said Tammy Beintema, Sioux Falls development director for the American Heart Association. “Through the Heart Walk, we are able to drive maximum impact through employee engagement and corporate fundraising. Together, we can save lives right here in Sioux Falls.”
Heart disease and stroke are largely preventable and how you eat, move and manage stress impacts your well-being, physically and mentally. The Heart Walk provides resources, tools and activities to support both mental and physical well-being for employers and employees.
For more information about the Heart Walk or to get your company involved, contact Tammy.Beintema@Heart.org or visit www.SouthDakotaHeartWalk.org.
Additional Resources:
Online News Release: https://newsroom.heart.org/local-news/sioux-falls-companies-step-up-to-save-lives