Credit: Bronwyn Moisan, WILX-TV
Meet the Founder
Mike Garland founded Champions of the Heart after surviving a near-fatal cardiac arrest in August 2022. His experience ignited a passion to raise awareness about cardiac emergencies and provide free hands-only CPR and AED training. “Our goal is simple—get more hands on hearts by teaching as many people as possible the life-saving skill of bystander CPR"
Before launching his nonprofit, Garland spent decades shaping basketball talent. As a longtime Michigan State basketball staff member, he helped lead the Spartans to 19 NCAA Tournaments, 10 Big Ten Championships, seven Final Fours, and a National Championship. He played a key role in developing NBA-bound players and was instrumental in every Big Ten title won under Tom Izzo. “Mike was here through our championship and Final Four runs and helped build this program from the ground up,” Izzo said.
Board Members
The Board Members of Champions of the Heart are a group of committed individuals, each with an unwavering dedication to our mission. Their diverse backgrounds and insights enrich our vision and help shape impactful initiatives. Meet the leaders who continually strive to make a difference in our community.
Position / Role
Coach Mike Garland
Co-founder of Champions of the Heart, was inspired to start the foundation after her husband Michael survived a cardiac arrest in August 2022. Their experience highlighted the urgent need for CPR awareness and education.
Position / Role
Cynthia Garland
Co-founder of Champions of the Heart, was inspired to start the foundation after her husband Michael survived a cardiac arrest in August 2022. Their experience highlighted the urgent need for CPR awareness and education.
Position / Role
Ann Emmerich
Describe the team member here. Write a brief description of their role and responsibilities, or a short bio with a background summary.
Position / Role
Pastor Chris White
He has dedicated 28 years as an ordained minister, with a strong commitment to compassionate care. He served as a Community Chaplain for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department (2001–2003) and has been a Hospice Chaplain and Grief Counselor since 2002.
Position / Role
James Pribble
He has spent 25 years in the ER treating cardiac arrest cases—but many never make it there without immediate help. His passion is empowering bystanders to become lifesavers through research, advocacy, and CPR education.
Position / Role
Travis Gamble
Describe the team member here. Write a brief description of their role and responsibilities, or a short bio with a background summary.
Position / Role
Priscilla Bordayo
Describe the team member here. Write a brief description of their role and responsibilities, or a short bio with a background summary.
Position / Role
Joseph J. Fifer
Joe is a retired healthcare executive with decades of leadership experience. He served 12 years as CEO of the Healthcare Financial Management Association and previously held CFO roles in several Michigan healthcare systems.
Position / Role
Louise Wibbelman
Joe is a retired healthcare executive with decades of leadership experience. He served 12 years as CEO of the Healthcare Financial Management Association and previously held CFO roles in several Michigan healthcare systems.
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Position / Role
David Roeder
Joe is a retired healthcare executive with decades of leadership experience. He served 12 years as CEO of the Healthcare Financial Management Association and previously held CFO roles in several Michigan healthcare systems.
Position / Role
Roger Jansen
Joe is a retired healthcare executive with decades of leadership experience. He served 12 years as CEO of the Healthcare Financial Management Association and previously held CFO roles in several Michigan healthcare systems.
Position / Role
Derik Boles
Joe is a retired healthcare executive with decades of leadership experience. He served 12 years as CEO of the Healthcare Financial Management Association and previously held CFO roles in several Michigan healthcare systems.
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