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.