Mark W. Connolly , M.D., FACS, FACC

Dr. Mark Connolly, a renowned cardiovascular surgeon at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey, has operated on more than 10,000 patients during his 30-year career. But as a self-described “cardiovascular activist of the new millennium,” his advocacy efforts with the American Heart Association are what allow him to reach and influence many more people to live heart healthy. Dr. Connolly not only performs patients’ surgeries, but he helps them with their recovery to ensure they quickly return to their normal routines — with a longer life expectancy and a better quality of life.

Dr. Connolly, who has volunteered with the AHA for 15 years, is the President of the Northern New Jersey Board of Directors. In 2017, he also chaired the Bergen Passaic Heart Walk and the New Jersey Affair of the Heart Ball, which culminates in an evening celebrating survivors, researchers and physician champions across New Jersey.