The American Heart Association, a national nonprofit organization, appoints Sharlene Jenner to drive digital marketing innovation and engagement.
Client: The American Heart Association | Role: SVP, Digital Marketing | Candidate: Sharlene Jenner
Recruiters: Amanda K. Brady, Managing Director; Jean Lenzner, Managing Director
Overview
The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. It partnered with The Alexander Group, a global executive search firm, to recruit a Senior Vice President of Digital Marketing. As the organization sought to strengthen its digital-first engagement strategy, it needed a visionary marketing leader to amplify its science-driven mission through digital innovation, emerging technologies, and strategic storytelling.
Key Leadership Need
The American Heart Association sought an SVP of Digital Marketing who could drive integrated digital marketing strategies, leverage emerging technologies like AI for personalized engagement, and align marketing initiatives with the organization’s mission-driven goals. The ideal candidate would bring deep expertise in digital ecosystem leadership, omnichannel marketing, and data-driven decision-making in a nonprofit or large-scale mission-driven environment.
The Alexander Group’s Approach
Managing Directors Amanda K. Brady and Jean Lenzner lead a national search to identify digital marketing executives with proven success in scaling engagement strategies, driving innovation, and aligning digital ecosystems with organizational impact goals.
Search priorities included:
- Expertise in digital transformation, omnichannel marketing, and marketing technology leadership
- Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and integrate emerging technologies into marketing strategy
- Experience aligning digital marketing strategies with organizational missions and revenue growth initiatives
Sharlene Jenner rose to the top with over two decades of leadership experience at organizations such as Vizient, AbelsonTaylor, and Hilton Worldwide, where she specialized in driving digital innovation, marketing transformation, and audience-centered storytelling strategies.
Successful Placement and Impact
Sharlene Jenner joins The American Heart Association as SVP of Digital Marketing. She oversees the strategy and execution of digital marketing initiatives, content strategy, and the integration of emerging technologies to drive relevance, engagement, and revenue growth across both consumer and scientific audiences.
Immediate Impact:
- Leads digital engagement strategies aligned with the AHA’s brand and mission
- Introduces AI-driven personalization and data analytics to enhance marketing campaigns
- Strengthens omnichannel marketing efforts across consumer, professional, and donor audiences
- Elevates the AHA’s digital brand presence through innovative content and storytelling
About The American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a nonprofit organization devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke, the two leading causes of death worldwide. Through groundbreaking research, education, and advocacy efforts, the Association helps millions live longer, healthier lives.
About The Alexander Group
The Alexander Group is an international executive search firm headquartered in Houston. Serving nonprofits, healthcare organizations, legal services, technology firms, and more, The Alexander Group helps mission-driven organizations secure transformative leadership to drive strategic impact and sustainable growth.
Looking to elevate your organization’s digital strategy? Partner with The Alexander Group to find the visionary leaders who drive engagement and growth.