Cathy DeCock

Executive Director

As Via’s Executive Director, Cathy brings more than 30 years of non-profit management expertise to Via Heart Project. Cathy joined Via in 2011, one year after Via was founded. As Chief Operating Officer, she created and led amazing teams that have enabled Via to grow to managing almost 3,000 AEDs...

Liz Thomas-Grainger

Program and Accounting Manager

Liz was born and raised in the Napa Valley but has lived in San Francisco for seven years now. After graduating from San Francisco State University with a degree in Communicative Disorders, Liz joined the team at Via to work with our global accounts.

Clare Hanly

Program Coordinator

Clare is a San Francisco native who has worked with Via Heart Project since graduating from Chapman University in 2021. She has experience in communication research and sociology...

Pam Dodson

Director of Program Development

Pam Dodson comes to Via Heart Project after retiring from a career in Emergency Medical Services. Over a span of nearly 30 years of service, she developed these life-saving programs...

Payton Everheart

Program Assistant

Payton is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a degree in Electronic Media and Communications. She has recently moved to The Bay Area after spending the last 15 years in Texas and Illinois.

Skylar Vinson

Program Assistant

Skylar is a recent graduate from San Diego State University with a degree in Communication Studies. She is originally from the Bay Area and has recently moved to San Francisco.

Joe Kinson

Site Maintenance Supervisor

After 27 years as a firefighter and 12 years as a paramedic, Joe is enjoying his retirement by working as the site maintenance supervisor for Via Heart Project and teaching American Heart...

Rochelle Short

Social Media and Communications

Rochelle came to Via Heart Project wanting to merge her love of social media with her interest in being involved in a non-profit cause. After leaving a decade-long career in the real estate field...

About Our Founder

Liz Lazar-Johnson

Founder

Liz founded Via Heart Project in January of 2010, and served as Via’s first Executive Director for 14 years. After graduating with an undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology, she found her passion in raising automated external defibrillator (AED) awareness and helping the families of sudden cardiac arrest victims. Liz has collaborated with numerous hospitals, healthcare districts, organizations, and Fortune 500 companies to place over 3,000 AEDs in more than 25 countries. Liz’s hobbies include pedicures and skydiving (though not at the same time). She currently resides in San Diego, California with her Navy Captain husband and their daughter Alexandra.