Building a healthier future: Charleston construction leaders join forces for heart health and wellness
August 4, 2025
Blake Banks named chairperson of American Heart Association’s Hard Hats with Heart
Twelve Charleston construction leaders joined forces to improve the cardiovascular health of the area’s construction workers, with Banks Construction’s Blake Banks at the helm. The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, is proud to announce the leaders of this year’s Hard Hats with Heart Campaign:
Executive Leadership Team Members
- Blake Banks, Banks Construction, Chairperson
- Sam Hayes, Landmark Construction
- Keith Horton, Frampton Construction
- Tim Kennedy, Trident Construction
- Kara Klunk, C. Herman Construction
- Paul Mashburn, Mashburn Construction
- Jim Moroney, SteelFab
- Jason Munday, SeamonWhiteside
- Kyle Spraberry, Choate Construction
- Kerby Teller, Crescent Lighting Solutions
- Josh VanScoy, HITT
- Donnie Yavelak, SAMET
copyright Coastal Creek Media
Hard Hats with Heart is a construction-specific initiative from the American Heart Association to improve the cardiovascular health of Charleston’s construction workers. The campaign’s focus is to integrate health, well-being and prevention solutions into the industry’s culture by inspiring companies to implement initiatives to help employees improve health and well-being. Examples include providing healthy food options, promoting physical activity during breaks, implementing stress-reducing programs, educating employees about the signs of heart disease, and teaching employees CPR.
“We are thankful to Charleston’s construction leaders for championing this initiative,” said Katie Schumacher, executive director of the American Heart Association, Charleston. “Their support shows a deep commitment not only to the health of their teams, but to the well-being of the entire industry. Together, we are creating a culture that prioritizes heart health.
Charleston Hard Hats – Construction Works and CVD copyright Coastal Creek Media
“In the construction industry, our people are our greatest asset, and they often face high stress, long hours, and physically demanding work. That’s why this initiative is so important, said Blake Banks, 2025 Hard Hats with Heart chairperson. “Hard Hats with Heart is about more than raising awareness; it’s about creating real change in how we support the health and wellbeing of our workforce. I’m honored to lead this year’s campaign and work alongside other industry leaders to help build a healthier future for our teams.”
Hard Hats with Heart is a year-round campaign and culminates with an annual networking event that will take place on October 7 at The Stagehouse at Credit One Stadium. Signature sponsors of the event include Banks Construction, Choate Construction, HITT, SeamonWhiteside, and Trident Construction. For more information about Hard Hats with Heart, visit www.heart.org/CharlestonHardHats. If you or your company are interested in attending or sponsoring the event, please contact [email protected].
Photo copyright Coastal Creek Media
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
