Wichita Board of Directors

We gratefully acknowledge these dedicated volunteers who serve on the Wichita American Heart Association Board of Directors. These dedicated volunteers are healthcare professionals and business and community leaders who guide our many activities throughout the Greater Wichita area. 

Board Leadership

Board Chair
Vallerie Gleason, MBA,RN
President & CEO
Newton Medical Center

Board Leadership Development Chair
Dr. Brian Pate, MD
Chair of Pediatrics
KU School of Medicine – Wichita

Midwest Regional Board Chair
Pat Gearhart
Wichita Market President
Simmons Bank

Board Members

Nicole Castleberry
CFO
Wesley Health Care

Michael Fessinger
Assistant County Counselor
Sedgwick County

Dr. Lalitha Gopineti, MD
Pediatric Cardiologist
Children's Mercy Hospital

Don D. Gribble
Partner 
Hite, Fanning, & Honeyman L.L.P.

Jay Haratsis
General Manager
DoubleTree by Hilton - Wichita Airport 

Shawn Jiwanlal
Vice President – Commercial Banking
Simmons Bank

Anthony Kruse
Partner 
BKD, LLP 

Christopher Rea
Director of Operations
Foundation Properties

Debbie Reilly, BSN, RN
Clinical Applications Specialist
Kansas Heart Hospital