Houston, TX (March 16, 2017) – Texas Heart Institute (THI), one of the world’s leading cardiovascular research and education institutes, named Dr. James T. Willerson as President Emeritus, a role formerly held by the late Dr. Denton A. Cooley. This move brings great stability and a continuation of meaningful connections both within and outside the cardiovascular and medical research community.

“Dr. Willerson has and continues to be a force in this field and we are honored that he will serve in this important leadership position as we work to engage and educate both thought and philanthropic leaders around the world with our science and discovery,” explained Eric Wade, Chairman, Texas Heart Institute.

In his role, Dr. Willerson will lead the Institute’s effort to engage the medical and philanthropic leaders around the world. He will have the primary responsibility to share THI’s advances and vision for the future of cardiovascular discovery.

“I have dedicated the last ten years of my professional life to THI to work with my great friend and mentor, Denton A. Cooley,” shared Dr. James Willerson. “I have had the privilege of bringing and leading many of the researchers and physicians to THI.  We have built something special and life changing, and I could not be more optimistic about what this important role can mean to THI and to the men and women who are at the forefront of the next cardiovascular discovery going forward. It means a great deal to me personally.”

Willerson continued, “We have made a lasting impact on the field of cardiovascular discovery, and I am truly excited to continue to support the vision Dr. Cooley started many decades ago in this new capacity. We are genuinely optimistic that the next first will happen here and I, for one, am eager to be part of this next breakthrough.”

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About the Texas Heart Institute
The Texas Heart Institute (THI), founded by world-renowned cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Denton A. Cooley in 1962, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the devastating toll of cardiovascular disease through innovative and progressive programs in research, education and improved patient care. More information about THI (@Texas_Heart) is available at www.texasheart.org.