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Through the American Heart Association's Heart of Tri-County campaign, Steven Weeden, and Brandon Sklenar, volunteer co-chairs, will lead community-wide efforts to help ensure every individual in the greater Youngstown region has the opportunity for a full, healthy life.
Heart of Tri-County engages companies, community leaders and individuals to make a lasting impact across the four chambers of the American Heart Association's work: discovery, advocacy, access and knowledge.
Weeden is the assistant vice president and banking center manager at the Canfield office of WesBanco Bank. Sklenar is the business development manager for Packer Thomas.
The campaign will come together at the 2027 Tri-County Heart Ball, celebrating hope and progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere.
Both Weeden and Sklenar are passionate about the AHA's mission because of their family ties to heart disease.
"My father passed away at the early age of 46 from a sudden myocardial rupture, which is a literal bursting or tearing of the heart. My stepfather also went through two open heart surgeries," Weeden said.
"This campaign is personal because it honors the people that I've lost, supports the people still fighting, helps protect the people I love and fuels research that could save someone else's father, stepfather or child."
"Heart disease and stroke touch nearly every family in the Mahoning Valley, including mine. Both of my grandfathers had heart related scares," Sklenar said. "My maternal grandfather had a heart attack just a few years ago in his 80's and my paternal grandfather had triple bypass surgery at the age of 62. My paternal great-grandfather also had one of the earliest bypass surgeries in 1961 and passed away on the operating table. Co-chairing this year’s Heart Ball is a chance to turn those experiences into something that helps other families avoid the same fear."
Weeden has been volunteering for the American Heart Association for years. He previously served as an executive leadership team member for the Tri-County Heart Ball where he was named co-chair of the auction committee. Outside of the Association and in addition to his career in the banking industry, Weeden also has served as president of the Mahoning Valley Young Professionals and as an ambassador for the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber.
Sklenar is the current president of the Mahoning Valley Young Professionals and serves as a board member for the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber.
"Steven and Brandon bring exceptional vision and energy as financial leaders in our community. Their commitment to the American Heart Association's mission, combined with a clear passion for improving the well-being of our community, makes them an outstanding choice to lead this year's campaign," said Jennifer Coleman, development director for the American Heart Association-Northeast Ohio. "We welcome both of these changemakers as chairmen of the Heart of Tri-County campaign, which unites leaders across our community to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere."
The 2027 Tri-County Heart Ball is sponsored by CTW Corporation and will be Feb. 27 at Waypoint 4180. The annual event is a night to celebrate the Heart Association's year-round efforts to build a healthier Mahoning Valley. Throughout the evening, the Heart Association will honor volunteers and patrons, share survivor stories and entertain guests with dinner, dancing and an auction.
For more information on how to support or attend the Tri-County Heart Ball, visit heart.org/tricountyheartball or contact Jennifer Coleman at Jennifer.Coleman@heart.org.