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Heart Attack and Stroke Symptoms
A map of Florida.

Meet the 2025–2026 Florida Advocacy Committee

The American Heart Association Florida Advocacy Committee is a passionate group of advocate leaders working to advance the Association’s public policy priorities across the state. For fiscal year 2025–2026, this action-oriented team will lead grassroots efforts, engage with lawmakers, and amplify the voices of Floridians who are speaking up to improve lives and create healthier communities—one policy at a time.

Committee Leadership

  • Chair: Dr. Yvette Lowery – Nurse Practitioner, Assistant Professor, and Adjunct Faculty (Gainesville)
  • Vice Chair: Crystal Collins Spencer, Esq. – Attorney, Spencer Law, P.A. (Pensacola)

Committee Members

  • Dr. M. Dallas Cooke – Rescue Division Chief, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (Jacksonville)
  • Dr. Robert Sanchez – Medical Director, HCA Florida Heart Institute – Northside (St. Petersburg)
  • Ernie Withers – Founder, Defibrillate Manatee Foundation (Bradenton)
  • Marsha Kiner – Executive Director, Children’s Trust of Alachua County (Gainesville)
  • Jana Bonassi – 2024 Mrs. Florida American (Winter Garden)
  • John Mouw – Director, Resuscitation Education & IDSM, Baptist Health Academics, Baptist Health South Florida (Miami)
  • Lt. Latrecia Waters – Lieutenant/Paramedic, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (Jacksonville)

What’s Next

Together, these leaders will help shape public policies that support heart and stroke prevention, better access to care, and healthier communities across Florida. The Florida Advocacy Committee will vote soon on the state and local policy agenda for the year ahead. These priorities will guide our efforts to drive meaningful change. Watch for upcoming American Heart Association Heart Powered alerts—we’ll share opportunities for you to get involved and help advance hope and health for everyone, everywhere.