As plans are underway for the 2024 Atlanta Heart Ball, Jim Hannan, president and chief operating officer of Koch Industries, Inc. has been named chairman and Paul Donahue, chairman and chief executive officer of Genuine Parts Company, will be recognized as the 2024 Heart of Atlanta honoree for this year’s community-wide campaign. The Heart Ball celebrates progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association’s Heart of Atlanta, a year-round effort aimed at investing in and saving and improving lives in the metro area. This year’s campaign is specifically focused on addressing hypertension, maternal health, tobacco and vaping usage, nutrition security, quality health care access and CPR to ensure more neighbors have the chance to live a full and healthy life.

As the president and chief operating officer of Koch Industries, Inc., Hannan serves on the boards of Koch Industries and several other Koch subsidiaries, including Georgia-Pacific. He is involved in numerous community organizations in the Atlanta area and business organizations nationally. His commitment to advancing access to healthcare is what inspired him to lead this year’s campaign.  

“When I was told the American Heart Association of Metro Atlanta was honoring Paul Donahue and was presented the opportunity to chair the Heart Ball, I didn't skip a beat at the chance to support their efforts,” said Hannan. “The Association continues to transform the health landscape for Georgians and people all around the world, which has benefited employees across Koch Industries and Georgia-Pacific for decades. Investing funds raised back into research helps find lifesaving solutions and provides better access to healthcare, which is something I am personally passionate about and encourages others to support in any way, no matter how big or small. Not many organizations have been around for a century, so it's an honor to help celebrate such a milestone with the American Heart Association - and there's no better way to do this than by helping raise funds to have an even greater impact in the community.”

The Heart of Atlanta honoree is recognized as a community leader who has helped transform the health and well-being of residents in the metro Atlanta area. As chairman and CEO of Genuine Parts Company, Donahue’s philanthropic efforts mirror those of GPC, which focus on global sustainability and community impact. Currently, he serves on the board of several community organizations and most recently established the Genuine Parts Company Vocational Rehabilitation Program to help people return to work after experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain.

"We are absolutely delighted to announce that two of Atlanta's most dedicated and passionate executives will serve as our chairman and honoree of the 2024 Atlanta Heart Ball,” said Carla Smith, region senior vice president and executive director of the American Heart Association in metro Atlanta. “The joint leadership of Jim and Paul and their unwavering support for the American Heart Association's mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives is evident and we look forward to celebrating our collective efforts across metro Atlanta at the Heart Ball."

The momentous Atlanta Heart Ball will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 at The St. Regis Atlanta and will celebrate the Association’s incredible milestone of 100 years of lifesaving work. Throughout the evening the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health, will honor volunteers and patrons, feature stories of survivors, and entertain guests with dinner, dancing and an exciting auction. The 2024 Atlanta Heart Ball is sponsored by Arch Insurance, DragonCon, Genuine Parts Company, Koch Industries, Inc., LocumTenens.com, Wellstar Health System and Southern Company. For more information on how to support or attend the Atlanta Heart Ball, contact [email protected].