President and CEO Mark Tarr pictured with Encompass Health Vice President of Operations Support Elaine Prince and AHA National Board Chair Lee Shapiro.
June 24, 2026 — Encompass Health President and CEO Mark Tarr has received the American Heart Association's Award of Meritorious Achievement, recognizing his leadership and longstanding commitment to improving cardiovascular health, advancing stroke recovery and supporting women's heart health nationwide. Tarr was honored at the AHA's National Volunteer Awards in Dallas, where leaders and volunteers from across the country gathered to celebrate those driving meaningful progress in the fight against heart disease and stroke.
Under Tarr's leadership, Encompass Health has strengthened its collaboration with the AHA and American Stroke Association, including serving as a national supporter of the Together to End Stroke initiative since 2019. Together, the organizations have developed practical resources for patients, caregivers and clinicians navigating recovery after stroke, while also raising awareness about prevention and rehabilitation. Encompass Health has also sponsored numerous Go Red luncheons nationwide. These efforts build on Encompass Health's broader commitment to advancing stroke outcomes.
Tarr and his wife, Jennifer, have also been deeply involved in advancing women's cardiovascular health through the AHA's Go Red for Women campaign, which raises awareness of heart disease as the leading health threat facing women. The couple co-chaired the 2025 Birmingham Go Red for Women campaign and helped drive significant community engagement and support. The Tarr's personal philanthropy has also expanded access to life-saving resources, including infant CPR education and increased community readiness through AED and CPR initiatives.
For Tarr, the mission to improve heart and brain health is deeply personal. His mother and several relatives have faced serious cardiac challenges. Those experiences have strengthened his commitment to prevention, education and high-quality care.
“At Encompass Health, we see every day the difference that prevention, education and high-quality care can make in people's lives,” Tarr said. “We're proud to stand with the American Heart Association in the fight against heart disease and stroke, and we look forward to furthering our impact together.”
Through its partnership with the AHA, Encompass Health continues to focus on improving outcomes, expanding access to rehabilitation and empowering patients throughout their recovery journey. Tarr said the recognition reflects the collective efforts of Encompass Health employees and AHA volunteers working toward a shared goal.
“This partnership is one we deeply value,” he said. “Together, we are helping more patients recover, educating more families and ultimately saving more lives.”