Va. Nat. Gas Pres. & CEO Chairs American Heart Assn. Campaign

HAMPTON ROADS

For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through Heart of Hampton Roads Heart Ball campaign, Shannon O. Pierce, volunteer chairperson and president & CEO of Virginia Natural Gas, will lead community-wide efforts to help ensure every individual in Hampton Roads has the opportunity for a full, healthy life.

The Heart Ball celebrates hope and progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association’s efforts to make an impact on the health of the community. These efforts include the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery, public policy change, equitable health for the under resourced and underrepresented and education to equip the community to take control of their health.

“Shannon Pierce demonstrates outstanding leadership and dedication as a visionary leader at Virginia Natural Gas. Her passion and commitment to the American Heart Association’s mission, deep understanding of community needs and unwavering drive to make a difference positions her as the perfect choice to chair this event,” says Dr. Dena Krishnan, president, board of directors for the American Heart Association Hampton Roads.

Pierce’s involvement in the community and professional associations includes membership in the Virginia State Bar, the Energy Bar Association, and the American Association of Blacks in Energy. Pierce is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and currently a member of the Smithfield Alumnae Chapter. 

She serves on the boards of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the Elizabeth River Project, the Hampton Roads Executive Business Roundtable, RVA757 Connects and the Blueprint Virginia 2035 Steering Committee. She has also served on boards for various not-for-profit organizations focusing on education and economic empowerment.

“I am honored to serve as the 2025-2026 Hampton Roads Heart Ball chair,” said Pierce. “As someone raised in Surry County, a rural and often under resourced area in many areas including nutrition security, I am eager to work with our outstanding team of volunteers and the American Heart Association to drive change by removing barriers to health, investing in groundbreaking research, delivering impactful health education and advocating for healthy policies.”

The 2026 Hampton Roads Heart Ball is sponsored by Virginia Natural Gas, Bon Secours Mercy Health and Riverside Health and will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 6 p.m. The annual event is a night to celebrate the Heart Association’s year-round efforts to break down barriers to health in Hampton Roads. 

For more information on how to support or attend the Hampton Roads Heart Ball, visit www.heart.org/heartofhamptonroads or contact Laura Bynum at laura.bynum@heart.org.