CDPHP CEO leads Capital Region Heart Walk
CDPHP CEO leads Capital Region Heart Walk
Brian O’Grady has a particular reason for supporting the American Heart Association this year
ALBANY, New York, May 16, 2025 – Brian O’Grady, president and CEO of CDPHP, a longtime supporter of the American Heart Association, will serve as the chair of the 2025 Capital Region Heart Walk. This year’s walk will be the fifth event he has chaired for the organization. This year, though, it’s personal.
“In March, I had quintuple bypass surgery,” O’Grady said. “The surgery went well, and I’m on the road to recovery, but this has been an incredibly humbling experience.”
An avid runner and proud Ironman competitor, O’Grady was no stranger to pushing his limits. But when he started experiencing shortness of breath during his regular workouts, he knew something wasn’t right. With a family history of heart disease, O’Grady consulted with his primary care physician and scheduled a visit with a cardiologist. After a series of tests, he received life-changing news: with severe stenosis in multiple vessels, surgery would be necessary.
“The news was a bit shocking, but I am grateful to be doing much better and proud to stand with the survivors at this year’s Heart Walk,” said O’Grady as he gears up for this year’s event. “The Heart Walk is a true community event, with businesses, survivors, families and people who have lost loved ones coming together to make the community better. I invite everyone to join us — you never know whose life you’ll save.”
“Brian’s dedication to the American Heart Association has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Michael-Aaron Poindexter, chair of the board of directors of the association in the Capital Region and chief program officer at The Regional Food Bank. “Through the power of his story, he not only inspires others but also fuels the fight against heart disease and stroke — raising both awareness and critical support with every step.”
The 2025 Capital Region Heart Walk and Run is set for Sunday, June 8, at the University at Albany. For more information, to register or to donate, visit CapitalRegionHeartWalk.org.
About the Capital Region Heart Walk and Run
The Capital Region Heart Walk and Run is set for Sunday, June 8, at the University at Albany, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany. Events will start at the Physical Education Building. Brian O’Grady, president and CEO of CDPHP, is the chair. Darin Vail, 15, born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, is the Heart Hero. Emily May is the Stroke Ambassador. Tom Eschen of CBS 6 is one of the emcees of the event. Registration for the 5K run opens at 7 a.m. and the run begins at 8 a.m. Walk activities begin at 9 a.m. The Walk program begins at 10:15 a.m. and the Walk steps off at 10:30 a.m. Walkers can join a 1- or 3-mile route. For information, to register, or donate, visit CapitalRegionHeartWalk.org.
