About Us

Rachel volpe, rn
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, emeritus

Rachel Volpe worked for more than 25 years in Coronary Care Nursing as well as Primary Care Nursing in a local medical practice. She has certifications in Critical Care Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing and Legal Nurse Consulting.

Rachel began volunteering with the Heart Society when it's previous Director, Donna Dixon asked her to help with making raffle baskets.  Starting with raffles led to volunteering at all Heart Society events as well. Donna and Rachel met through the Monsignor Farrell Marching Farrell Marching Band, where both had sons involved.

"CPR and AEDs simply save lives. By placing the skills of CPR training and the accessibility of AEDs throughout Staten Island, we help others help those in need. Where minutes count, the more people trained in CPR and more AEDs available to the community, the more lives we can save. In addition, by providing Heart Healthy talks in schools and for community groups, we provide Staten Islanders with the ability to take their health into their own hands and help reduce heart disease in our community.

salvatore g. volpe, MA
Executive director, interim

Salvatore Volpe is a medical student at SUNY Downstate College of Medicine in Brooklyn. He has a B.A. in Neuroscience and Computer Science, as well as an M.A. in Biomedical Informatics, from Columbia University.

As a member of the Monsignor Farrell Marching Band, Salvatore met John and Michael Dixon who got him involved with the Youth Board. In 2018, he began to instructor CPR alongside his mom, Rachel, in classes on Staten Island and throughout NYC. After Rachel’s passing in 2024, Salvatore assumed the role of Executive Director in her stead.

"The Staten Island Heart Society serves as a beacon in the borough for activism, healthy lifestyles, and a sense of community identity. The Heart Society's mission is much like CPR: simple, but life-changing."

Salvatore Volpe, m.d.
chairman

Dr. Salvatore Volpe is the Chief Medical Officer at the Staten Island Performing Provider System and Former President of the Richmond County Medical Society.

After meeting parents of members of the Heart Society through the Monsignor Farrell Marching Band, Dr. Volpe learned about the Heart Society's mission and was committed to contributing to the cause.

"The Staten Island Heart Society serves an important role as a partner with local healthcare providers and local government to reduce cardiovascular disease and death."

jack d'angelo, m.d.
president

Dr. Jack D'Angelo serves as a medical consultant to the healthcare insurance industry and the Chief Medical officer of Citiva Medical, a New York State licensed medical cannabis company.

Doc Jack has worked with The Richmond County Medical Society, and during his role as President, got actively involved in the initiatives of the Staten Island Heart Society and continued his participation with the organization.

"Every time we offer someone the tools for a healthier life we give them opportunity to share a gift of well-being with someone else."

anna williams
secretary

Anna Williams is the First Vice President/Compliance Officer for Victory State Bank and President and Board member of Staten Island Center for Independent Living. She is also a Board member of Staten Island Council for Animal Welfare, member of Soroptimist International of Staten Island (Past President), and a volunteer for Visiting Nurse Association of SI.

Anna is one of the founding members of the Staten Island Heart Society and believes strongly in its mission.

"The Heart Society helps to save lives!"

salvatore calcagno esq
board member

Salvatore Calcagno is an Attorney with Menicucci Villa Cilmi PLLC, as well as a trustee and executive board member of the Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere.

Because of our dedicated mission purposes and expanding opportunity to broaden the awareness and preventative measures to assist the larger New York community, it was a no-brainer to help, in whatever means Sal could.   

"Heart attacks don’t discriminate. SIHS, an organization that supplies and fills a sad gap that exists and often is taken for granted, is supplying the peace of mind so that people can enjoy these activities free from worry. Knowing that the risk is mitigated and SIHS’s ongoing commitment to spreading awareness of the need to remove this risk have no expiration date. SIHS’s passion to win this fight is something all supporters should always remember in the decades to come."

james pistilli
board member

Jim Pistilli is a retired health care executive. He is the founder of Richmond Home Need Services Inc and a founding member Meals On Wheels and the S.I. Alzheimer Association. Jim is the CEO Advanced Lifestyles for Health and Fitness and serves on many health, academic, and community outreach boards.

Jim joined our board because he was impressed with mission of the Heart Society and commitment to serve the need of Staten Islanders.

"Knowledge is having the right answer and The SI Heart Society's mission gives us the answer to save lives in a cardiac emergency."