The American Heart Association named Superintendent of Schools Dr. LaTanya D. McDade chair of its Eastern States Superintendent Council, which is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of students, families and educators. Representing a region that spans 13 states and Washington, D.C., from Maine to Virginia, the council brings together education leaders to help strengthen the Heart Association’s work across school districts throughout the region. 

"I am honored to serve as chair of the American Heart Association’s Eastern States Superintendent Council and build on the meaningful progress we have made together," said Dr. McDade. "Over the past two years, I have seen firsthand the power of educational leaders coming together around a shared commitment to student wellness. I look forward to elevating this work, expanding our impact, and championing the physical health, emotional well-being, and sense of belonging that help children thrive in school and in life." 

The Superintendent Council is composed of superintendents from diverse public school districts who serve as American Heart Association volunteers, bringing a range of backgrounds and perspectives to advancing health and well-being in schools and communities. Members serve two-year terms, lending their expertise to help create a culture of health and support healthier, happier and longer lives for children. The council also supports the Heart Association’s in-school programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™, which promote healthy habits and well-being among students. Now in its third year, the council includes 22 superintendents selected to serve as volunteer leaders. 

Eastern States Region Superintendent Council members include:  

  • Chair LaTanya D. McDade, Ed.D., Prince William County Public Schools, Virginia 
  • Immediate Past Chairman Mark Laurrie, retired 
  • Founding Chair Aaron Spence, Ed.D., Loudoun County Public Schools, Virginia 
  • Marc Baiocco, Ed.D., Clarkstown Central School District, New York 
  • Julia Bove, Ed.D., School District 22, New York City, New York 
  • Brian Brotschul, Ed.D., Somerset Hills School District, New Jersey 
  • Peter Cummings, Ed.D., Narragansett School System, Rhode Island 
  • Michael Fournier, Bedford School District, New Hampshire 
  • Lisa Goldey, Ed.D., Tinton Falls School District, New Jersey 
  • Amy Martell, Ed.D., Canton Area School District, Pennsylvania 
  • Joseph Massimino, Ed.D., Woodbridge Township School District, New Jersey 
  • Patrick McQueeney, Ed.D., Westwood Regional School District, New Jersey 
  • Salvatore Menzo, Ed.D., Goodwin University Magnet School System, Connecticut 
  • Michele Mitchell, Ph.D., Newport News Public Schools, Virginia 
  • Brooke Olsen-Farrell, Ed.D., Slate Valley Unified Union School District, Vermont 
  • Daniel Rehman, West Hempstead Union Free School District, New York 
  • Ryan Saxe, Ed.D., Berkeley County Schools, West Virginia 
  • J. Douglas Straley II, Louisa County Public Schools, Virginia 
  • Bill Stropkaj, Ed.D., Keystone Oaks School District, Pennsylvania 
  • Thomas Taylor, Ed.D., Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland 
  • Eddie Vincent, Barbour County Schools, West Virginia 
  • Tamara Willis, Ph.D., Susquehanna Township School District, Pennsylvania 

For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has worked to fight heart disease and stroke and help families and communities thrive. Its work is guided by a vision that all children, regardless of gender, race, location or economic status, can grow to their full potential and live healthier, longer lives.