About Florida Heart Research Foundation

The Florida Heart Research Foundation (FHRF) is an independent, not-for-profit foundation established to receive and distribute the funds raised from the Stop Heart Disease license plate. The Foundation is also a subsidiary of the Florida Heart Research Institute (FHRI) - a not-for-profit organization founded as Miami Heart Research Institute in 1944 and an international leader in cardiovascular research and education.
FHRF Mission: Stop heart disease through research, education and prevention

Management


Kathleen DuCasse, CEO

 Chief Executive Officer Kathleen DuCasse began her career working for Price Waterhouse in Miami where she audited and consulted in healthcare. In 1988, DuCasse became the Chief Financial Officer of the Miami Heart Institute and was promoted to CEO in 1991. Since 1994, Ms. DuCasse has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Miami Heart Research Institute, an international leader in cardiovascular research and education for over 60 years.
The Stop Heart Disease license plate and the Florida Heart Research Foundation were created to benefit all Florida residents. With more than 20 years experience in healthcare, finance and administration, DuCasse believes that the Foundation's mission to pursue heart disease research, education and prevention in our state is critical.

Board of Trustees

Richard A. Elias, M.D.
Michael Weintraub
Joe Ann Batcheller

Scientific Advisory Panel

The Scientific Advisory Board is comprised of internationally recognized physicians in the field of cardiovascular research who share our mission to stop heart disease. Coordinated by Paul Kurlansky, M.D., FHRI's Director of Research, the Scientific Advisory Board ensures that FHRF projects achieve the highest standards of scientific endeavor.


Eugene H. Blackstone, M.D. Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio and Associate Editor of the Journal of Thoracic And Cardiovascular Surgery.

John C. Burnett, M.D. Consultant, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester Minnesota.

.Richard A. Elias, M.D. Mt. Sinai Medical Center/Miami
Heart Institute and Medical Center Miami Beach, Florida

Mehmet Oz, M.D. Irving Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York.
  

Robert J. Myerberg, M.D. Chief, Division of Cardiology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.

Appropriations Advisory Panel

The Florida Heart Research Foundation is in the process of establishing an Appropriations Advisory Panel that will evaluate and make recommendations on how to allocate funds for cardiovascular research,education and prevention programs within Florida. This panel will be made up of community leaders from key areas within the state who share a strong commitment to the mission of the Foundation and are willing to volunteer their time and efforts as well as personal and professional resources to promote the mission. The recruitment for these enthusiastic individuals is currently underway. Please contact us if you know of someone who may be willing to serve in this capacity.