Nancy Luke
Nancy Luke is hard at work leading the American Heart Association’s efforts to improve the health of all Vermonters.
The new development director joined the Heart Association in September, after working for eight-and-a-half years as the marketing and development director of the United Way in Addison County.
She has also had her own company, a home decorating business called Mountain Street Studio. Prior to that, she worked at Sugarbush for 20 years, starting as a ski instructor and becoming the ski school director.
“One of my grandfathers died of heart disease, and the other was one of the first recipients of a pacemaker,” Luke said. “Heart health was always in the forefront of my parents’ minds. I think the Heart Association will be a good fit. I was ready for a new challenge, and I am happy and excited to be here.”
During her time at the United Way, Luke’s accomplishments included building a strong stewardship program that had staff and board members working together with donors.
One of Luke’s main goals with the Heart Association is to grow its presence throughout the state.
“We have a strong presence in Chittenden County, and I would like to see us get more involved in other communities,” she said.
In addition to the Vermont Heart Walk in the fall and the Go Red for Women Luncheon on April 12, Luke is looking forward to introducing CycleNation to the state. CycleNation is a stationary cycling event and can be held in various locations across the state. Luke would also like to see more Vermonters trained in Hands-Only CPR®.
“We’re really fortunate to have Nancy join us,” said James Devlin, senior vice president, development, Eastern Region, American Heart Association. “She brings strong fundraising skills and has an extensive nonprofit background. I know she will help us in our mission of creating a world of longer, healthier lives.”
Luke was born in New York City, and moved with her family to Middlebury when she was 7. She went to high school in Bennington, to North Adams State College and the University of Vermont. Aside from a brief sojourn in California, she stayed in the Burlington area after college.
Luke still skis and is an avid cyclist. She’s a member of the 251 Club and plans to cycle in all 251 of Vermont’s towns. She also loves to kayak.
Luke and her husband Russ live in Bristol. They have a son and daughter, Brighton and Sarah.