Lindsay Ashley, chief financial officer of Centre for Neuro Skills, has been appointed chair of the American Heart Association's 2025 Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk. The annual event is scheduled for Saturday, October 11, at California State University, Bakersfield, with a mission to celebrate survivors, raise critical funds, and promote community health.
Ashley will lead a team of Kern County executives in recruiting organizations to participate in the walk. The event aims to foster action-oriented conversations about employee health, corporate engagement, and community transformation. As part of this initiative, a diverse leadership team representing local businesses and media will collaborate to support the American Heart Association's goals.
The executive leadership team comprises professionals from various sectors, including healthcare, legal services, media, and financial institutions. Notable team members include David Harrington from Centre for Neuro Skills, Didra Cantu from Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital, and representatives from Dignity Health, KGET-TV, and Valley Strong Credit Union.
According to Kelley Berry, executive director of the American Heart Association in Kern County, the walk represents a critical opportunity for community unity in combating heart disease and stroke. The event will provide participants access to resources and tools supporting mental and physical well-being.
Funds raised through the walk will support the American Heart Association's comprehensive efforts, including advancing lifesaving research, expanding CPR training, and connecting patients to innovative treatments. The organization emphasizes that heart disease and stroke are largely preventable, with lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management playing crucial roles in overall health.
Centre for Neuro Skills, demonstrating its commitment to community health, will participate in Heart Walk events across California and Texas. The organization's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Matt Ashley, further supports this mission through his leadership role on the Central Texas American Heart Association's Board of Directors.
For HR vendors, this announcement underscores the growing importance of corporate wellness programs and community engagement in talent management. As companies increasingly prioritize employee health to attract and retain talent, partnerships with organizations like the American Heart Association can enhance corporate social responsibility profiles. Vendors offering wellness solutions, health benefits platforms, or employee engagement tools may find opportunities to align with such initiatives, as businesses seek to demonstrate commitment to heart health and stroke prevention. The event also highlights the role of executive leadership in driving health-focused corporate culture, which can influence purchasing decisions for HR services and products.
