Coworkers: Joe Sanders
We all know someone who could be described as having a “heart of gold,” and coincidentally, Joe Sanders, executive vice president of Indiana, has a real title to prove it. In 2019 he served as the chairman for the Heart of Gold Gala, which raised more than $500,000 for the American Heart Association (AHA).
Ozinga has supported his chairmanship with a three-year commitment from 2018-2020 and just renewed another three-year term. “The association is extremely grateful for the support,” said Joe. “And I’m proud to represent Ozinga alongside some of the largest industries in Northwest Indiana.”
AHA sponsors educational programs, screenings and CPR trainings throughout the region and equips businesses with defibrillators. One of the most recent events hosted by AHA was the Little Hats Big Hearts Project where volunteers knitted small stocking caps for babies born with congenital heart defects.
“It was extremely humbling to be a part of that and visit those babies and their parents in local hospitals,” said Joe.
Most recently AHA started a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math program (STEM) to encourage young men and women to pursue those career fields. Last November, more than 150 high schoolers participated.
Joe’s position as chairman for the Heart of Gold Gala was all about the timing. When he was approached with the opportunity to serve on the AHA committee, it was around the one-year anniversary of the death of his best friend who died of a heart attack.
“We all know someone who has been affected by heart disease,” said Joe. “Since 2017, we have lost three drivers to sudden cardiac death, and it’s devastating for everyone.”
In his lifetime, Joe hopes to continue to educate people on the importance of healthy living and ways of prevention and treatment for heart disease. He believes AHA is making a positive impact in the community and in turn makes it possible for him to live out his purpose.
