Downers Grove Resident to Lead Chicago Fundraising for American Heart Association

Downers Grove resident Brian Shields has been named metro executive director of the American Heart Association's Chicago office. 

In this role, Mr. Shields will supervise all fundraising efforts in Chicago and the suburbs. 

Shields joined the American Heart Association in 2006 as Youth Market director. He was promoted to vice president of the downstate Illinois markets in 2009 and to vice president of all Illinois markets in 2012. While working for the Youth Market team, Mr. Shields championed many new initiatives, including the “Kids with Heart” program which recognizes childhood heart disease survivors and connects them with speaking opportunities throughout the Midwest. Mr. Shields is also the recipient of the American Heart Association’s prestigious Rome Betts award.

“Brian Shields is an articulate and passionate leader for the American Heart Association,” said Kathy Kauffmann, senior vice president of the Midwest Affiliate’s major metro markets.  “He will be leading a team of high performers in Chicago as he continues to build on a base of excellent results in the area.”

Shields is a graduate of Miami University of Ohio.

About the American Heart Association:

The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – America’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers. 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 or visit www.heart.org.

—Story Submitted