Cass Wheeler, Former CEO of American Heart Association and a Wonderful Mentor, Died

Former American Heart Association leader dies at 84

Cass Wheeler, who led the Dallas-based American Heart Association for more than three decades, died recently. He's remembered as a supportive mentor who guided the huge nonprofit into the 21st century. "He believed deeply in the power of purpose, and he inspired generations of staff and volunteers to push beyond boundaries," said Nancy Brown, current CEO of the American Heart Association.

Cass Wheeler, former CEO of American Heart Association and a wonderful mentor, died

I was saddened to learn that on June 20, 2025, Cass Wheeler died, just short of his 85th birthday. Cass spent 35 years at the American Heart Association, serving as CEO from 1998 through 2008. I don’t remember when or how I first met Cass, but he became an important ally and mentor. As the AHA said in its announcement of his passing, “His leadership marked a transformational era for the Heart Association, guiding the nonprofit into the 21st cent…