Local Man Earns Heart Association Accolades

Editor's Note: This article was submitted by Katherine Conrad, Senior Director of Communications for the American Heart Association. To submit an article, email miriam@patch.com.

Alvin L. Royse of Hillsborough was recently honored as the 2012 Volunteer of the Year for the American Heart Association’s Western States Affiliate. He was recognized as one of the affiliate’s most tenured and dedicated volunteer leaders at an award ceremony in Burlingame.

Volunteer of the Year is one of the top honors given to volunteers in the 10-state affiliate, which covers Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

 “My history with the American Heart Association goes back many years,” Royse said. “I have always felt empowered by our work advancing the fight against heart disease and stroke. I appreciate this honor very much, but I am just one of many people contributing their talents, energy and resources to advance the mission of the association.”

Royse began his volunteer career with the American Heart Association in l997 as chairman of the San Francisco Heart Walk and has served in various leadership capacities on the division, affiliate and national levels. He currently represents the Western States Affiliate on the national board of directors and was recently elected secretary-treasurer of the national board. Royse was part of the national Joint Operating Committee that reviewed and recommended the merger of the Western States and Pacific Mountain Affiliates to serve the now 10-state region of the Western States Affiliate.

Before his retirement, he was Senior Partner with the national accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche. From his office in San Francisco, Royse oversaw regional operations for the firm. Since retiring, he has taught various courses at the University of Shanghai in China.

In presenting the award, Roman J. Bowser, Executive Vice President of the Western States Affiliate, noted, “I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Al during his many years of service. He is a true champion for the American Heart Association and a visionary in advancing our lifesaving mission.”

About the American Heart Association 
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – America’s number one and number four killers. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or join us, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or any of our offices around the country, or visit heart.org.

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