Prevention is Why!

Meet one of AHA's Contract Lobbyists, Brian McDaniels!

What is your why?

Prevention.  We are in a position to pass legislation that will save lives and protect families.  There is so much competition for resources at the Capitol that we must always be zealously advocating for our positions.  Always.

What brought you to be an advocate for the American Heart Association?

Issues on the American Heart Association Legislative Agenda affect everyone.   No one’s family is immune, especially not mine.  

Working in politics can sometimes be befuddling or leave a bad taste in one’s mouth, but it is impossible to not be infused with a passionate sense of purpose when working on issues that benefit all races, creeds, and political persuasions.  AHA issues are unique in this way and I jumped at the chance to be a part of it.

What issues or policies are you most passionate about and why?

Even prior to working directly with the American Heart Association, I spent much of my career working with organizations seeking to eliminate the harmful effects of tobacco.  It is an issue I am extremely passionate about and would gladly work the issue free of charge (wait…did I really just say that?).

Cigarettes and other tobacco products have no redeeming qualities.  We know how harmful they are, we know how they are being marketed to children, and we know it looks gross and smells worse!

What is your favorite advocacy memory or experience so far and what made it great?

My time working with Rachel Callanan, Justin Bell, and countless other AHA staff members and volunteers has been an incredibly rewarding experience with several significant policy wins.  Choosing just one would be impossible.

My AHA advocacy memories center around bringing important issues to the legislature backed by sound science and solid community support.  We have worked with shifting majorities, budget surpluses, deficits, and have snatched victory from the jaws of defeat many times.

Our record of success should be an extreme source of pride for all involved.

What is your favorite way to be active?

I love coaching baseball and soccer, as well as taking long walks on the many fine trails near my home.

What is your favorite fruit or vegetable?

6-year-old Brian would be shocked at how much I love broccoli.