The American Heart Association announces Carla Smith as the new Senior Vice President and Executive Director in Atlanta. In this role, Smith will be responsible for driving the strategy and execution of corporate revenue, communications, and health impact goals for the metro Atlanta market.

Smith most recently served as the Vice President of Health Strategies. Working with American Heart Association volunteers and coalition partners, her tenure with the organization has resulted in several achievements, including establishing innovative tobacco control policies, Smoke-Free communities, and collaborating with Wholesome Wave Georgia for the Grow the Good ATL initiative, which seeks to increase funding to allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to have access to double fresh fruits and vegetables at local food markets. 

As an HBCU graduate, Smith has worked on expanding the HBCU Scholars program, which aims to broaden the healthcare career pipeline by increasing the number of African American students who apply and are accepted into graduate science, research, and public health programs. 

Most recently, Smith facilitated the launch of the Bernard J. Tyson Fund that has invested $2.45 million in local farms and food organizations addressing nutrition security in metro Atlanta; implemented programs directly providing COVID-19 relief assistance and providing support to uninsured and underinsured communities for hypertension management; and supported the barbershop/hair salon initiative that offers assistance to barbers and stylists to educate their patrons about blood pressure management. These are examples of her commitment to the entire community. 

With over 15 years of political strategy and nonprofit leadership, Smith is dedicated to fostering a community that enriches the lives of every citizen. Her commitment to health equity supports the American Heart Association’s mission of being a relentless force for longer, healthier lives. 

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the metro Atlanta work of the American Heart Association. While we’ve had many gains, the work is far from done. I’m looking forward to banning together with the volunteers, sponsors, staff and community to ensure access to healthy living options for all and to ultimately make a positive impact on the health and well-being of our neighbors so that we continue to have a healthy Atlanta,” said Smith. 

She received her bachelor’s degree from Paine College in Augusta, Georgia and her master’s degree from the University of Georgia.