AHA Names Kelly Jamerson Middle Tennessee Director

Kelly Jamerson has been promoted to executive director of the American Heart Association's Middle Tennessee market, succeeding Annie Thornhill.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of a solid oxblood heart centered on a cream field, ringed by mustard circles, suggesting regional heart-health leadership. — The American Heart Association promoted Kelly Jamerson to executive director of its Middle Tennessee market, succeeding Annie Thornhill, who moved to a Midwest regional role. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The American Heart Association named Kelly Jamerson executive director of its Middle Tennessee market, promoting her from vice president of development. Annie Thornhill, her predecessor, was appointed regional vice president, community impact, for the organization's Midwest Region.

Why it matters

Jamerson takes over leadership of a market that oversees fundraising, volunteer engagement and community initiatives in Nashville and throughout Middle Tennessee. The leadership change places her in charge of efforts to improve cardiovascular health and reduce the impact of heart disease and stroke across the region.

Jamerson has nearly 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience and has led fundraising efforts generating more than $4 million annually for the Middle Tennessee market. The American Heart Association relies on roughly 35 million volunteers globally.

The players

Kelly Jamerson

Kelly Jamerson is the newly named executive director of the American Heart Association's Middle Tennessee market, bringing nearly two decades of nonprofit leadership experience to the role.

Annie Thornhill

Annie Thornhill is the outgoing executive director of the Middle Tennessee market who was appointed regional vice president, community impact, for the American Heart Association's Midwest Region.

Beverly Miller

Beverly Miller is the region senior vice president for the American Heart Association, overseeing the organization's regional operations.

The details

Jamerson previously held leadership roles with the American Cancer Society and Vanderbilt University before joining the American Heart Association. She succeeds Annie Thornhill, who was appointed regional vice president, community impact, for the Midwest Region, and reports to Beverly Miller, region senior vice president.

- November 2, 2026: The American Heart Association announced Jamerson's appointment as executive director of the Middle Tennessee market.

Market Landscape

The leadership transition reflects the American Heart Association's reliance on regional market leaders to run its volunteer and fundraising operations across individual metro areas. Jamerson's background in both development and organizations such as the American Cancer Society places her within a competitive field of nonprofit health leaders in Nashville.

For Nashville-area residents, the leadership change may affect how local volunteer, donor and sponsor opportunities are organized through the American Heart Association's Middle Tennessee market. Residents interested in participating can find information on the association's regional program pages.

The takeaway

Local leadership changes at national health nonprofits can shape how community programs are delivered in a specific region. Residents interested in heart health initiatives can engage through the organization's Middle Tennessee market.