The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke—the two leading causes of death in the world. The organization works with 40 million volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to both medical professionals and consumers.

The Dallas-based association, founded by six cardiologists in 1924, is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to combating heart disease and stroke. The AHA operates across the U.S. and includes more than 150 local offices and more than 3,000 employees. Lewis Kinard plays an important role in the association’s work, as its executive vice president, general counsel and assistant corporate secretary.