Cass Wheeler, former chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, died from ALS at age 84, the non-profit said.
DALLAS — Cass Wheeler, a longtime executive with the Dallas-based American Heart Association, died at age 84 from ALS, the nonprofit said in a press release.
Wheeler served as the chief executive officer of the American Heart Association from 1998 until he retired in 2008, ending a 35-year tenure with the organization, the release states. He is credited with guiding the nonprofit into the 21st century and dramatically expanding its global influence, the release states.
He was a longtime resident of Georgetown, Texas and a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, according to the release.
“Cass Wheeler was more than a leader — he was a mentor, a dear friend, and a relentless champion for every person at risk of cardiovascular disease,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. “He believed deeply in the power of purpose, and he inspired generations of staff and volunteers to push beyond boundaries. I would not be where I am today without his guidance and belief in me. His legacy lives in the millions of lives touched by the work he helped build.”
Wheeler adopted a more contemporary and efficient corporate structure that enhanced the organization’s impact and launched several campaigns that continue today, the release says. He launched the “Go Red for Women” campaign to raise global awareness of heart disease in women, founded the American Stroke Association and developed the Get With The Guidelines initiative to improve cardiovascular care in hospitals.
He also partnered with the William J. Clinton Foundation to combat childhood obesity and developed the Association’s school-based programs to teach children the importance of health and philanthropy, the release states.
Wheeler also emphasized the Association’s focus on public policy and advocacy, securing landmark legislation across the country, including stronger tobacco control laws and improved nutrition labeling.
Wheeler joined what was then the Texas Affiliate of the American Heart Association in 1973 and steadily rose through the ranks, the release states. Before he joined the organization, he joined the American Cancer Society and worked as a stockbroker in Dallas for two New York Stock Exchange firms.
After retirement, he remained active with the organization, writing a book and publishing a book sharing lessons from his career, the release states.
He is survived by his children Kevin Wheeler, Kristen Wheeler, son-in-law, Paul DesRosiers, grandchildren Trinity Wheeler, Cash Wheeler, stepchildren Austin Schonfeld and Chloe Schonfeld, and a wide circle of colleagues and friends who cherished his integrity, warmth and wisdom, the release states.
A memorial service is being planned, and details will be shared by the family in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association.