Local Attorney Wins American Heart Association President’s Award
July 31, 2008
Laurin McSwain, Esq. was awarded the 2007-2008 American Heart Association Greater Southeast
Affiliate President’s Award at the organization’s Leadership Summit in St. Petersburg, FL last
month.
McSwain was recognized along with 10 other volunteer leaders for their leadership and vision
in forming a unified affiliate between the American Heart Association’s former Florida/Puerto Rico
Affiliate and the Southeast Affiliate, now known as the Greater Southeast Affiliate. He served on
the organization’s Joint Operating Committee during the transition.
“I am honored to have served the American Heart Association during this important time. I
feel the work we accomplished has better positioned the association to lead the fight to save lives
from cardiovascular disease and stroke,” McSwain said.
The primary focus of the Joint Operating Committee was to ensure the appropriate level of due
diligence has been completed in making final recommendations regarding the merger of the two
Affiliate Boards on October 26, 2006. In addition, McSwain helped to construct bylaws and standing
committees and sought feedback from volunteers across the region resulting in a smoother merger.
The Greater Southeast Affiliate serves more than 49 million people across Alabama, Florida,
Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Puerto Rico. The consolidation was conducted to
ensure the best and most efficient management structure to streamline services and further impact
heart disease and stroke in the community.
McSwain is a principal attorney with Lefkoff, Duncan, Grimes, Miller & McSwain, P.C. in
Atlanta, GA. He concentrates his practice in estate planning, probate and estate administration.
McSwain has been involved with American Heart Association for many years. He started as a
corporate fundraiser in the mid-1980s then led volunteer planned giving activities for the Georgia
Affiliate. McSwain has served many terms as a board member at the affiliate level and has held
various officer positions including legal counsel and Chairman. During his current retirement from
board service, McSwain looks forward to providing guidance and leadership to affiliate staff and
board members.
About American Heart Association
Since 1924, the American Heart Association has helped protect people of all ages and
ethnicities from the ravages of heart disease and stroke. These diseases are the nation’s No. 1 and
No. 3 killers, respectively, and claim more than 910,000 lives a year.