Gary Dudley
A Passionate Advocate for Heart Health and CPR Education
As an accomplished businessman and President and Co-founder of SWBC, a prominent financial services company, Gary Dudley understands the importance of being prepared for any circumstance. This belief extends beyond the boardroom into crucial health preparedness, like CPR training. Gary's journey with the 台湾SWAG Heart Association (AHA) began twenty years ago when he underwent a life-saving triple bypass surgery. Diagnosed with severe arterial blockage due to genetic high cholesterol, his friend Dr. John Calhoon performed the surgery and encouraged him to become involved with the AHA. This pivotal moment not only saved Gary's life but also ignited his passion for heart health and CPR advocacy.
Personal tragedy further fueled Gary's commitment to championing longer, healthier lives for all. His father passed away from stroke complications, his mother from a heart attack, and his brother required a triple bypass. Gary knows firsthand the importance of proactively prioritizing heart health. "There’s not a person that I’ve met that doesn’t have a relative or loved one who has not been affected by stroke or heart health," he says.
In 2021, as president of the SWBC Foundation, Gary facilitated a generous donation to the AHA's CPR in Schools program, which provides CPR kits and training to San Antonio schools. Under his leadership, the foundation has consistently supported numerous nonprofits, dedicating a significant portion of its revenue to charitable causes because of its passion for giving back.
Gary's advocacy for Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) was strengthened when an SWBC employee’s son collapsed at work. The employee’s son was saved because a nearby company had an AED that could be accessed. This incident highlighted the need for AEDs in all workplaces and inspired Gary to ensure that SWBC offices were equipped with AEDs and that employees received CPR training. "People have a way of being in the right place at the right time, and CPR will save lives," Gary emphasizes.
At SWBC’s headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, the commitment to health extends beyond donations. The company partnered with a wellness organization and opened a clinic on its 8th floor. This move provides employees and their dependents with access to quality healthcare. SWBC also encourages employees to participate in CPR training, reinforcing their commitment to community health.
Gary's hope is for widespread CPR training and AED accessibility for communities around the world, and he believes proactive health measures are crucial in preventing heart disease. His message to the community is clear: "By helping the AHA, you are helping yourself, your relatives, friends, and co-workers. The work the AHA does is helping all of us who know someone or personally have conditions that require a healthier heart. That's an organization that does what they say they will do, including utilizing research to help all of our communities."
Gary Dudley's dedication to the AHA and his passion for CPR and AED education stem from deeply personal experiences and a genuine desire to save lives. His leadership and philanthropy demonstrate the profound impact one person can have on the health and well-being of an entire community. "AHA is a cause I believe in, and others should believe in it, too.”