Get to know the leadership team behind the mission! This month, we sat down with a member of Living for Zachary’s Board of Directors to hear about their role and give you a look at just one of many passionate people who lead Team L4Z each year.
Hunter Henley
Hunter, tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up just outside of Little Rock, AR. I attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where I studied Computer Information Systems and Quantitative Analysis. I moved to the Dallas area after college. My wife, Laura, and I have three sons and live in Lucas, TX.
What do you do for work?
I am a Management Consultant who advises clients on audit matters. I specialize in audit transformation, data analytics, and intelligent automation within the audit function.
How and when did you first become involved with Living for Zachary’s mission?
I became involved with Living for Zachary’s mission on September 11, 2008 – my son’s birthday. He was born with multiple congenital heart defects. I have lived the same frightening moments as the parents we serve. I have experienced the same emotions, the same fears, the same nightmares. It is a life altering experience. I want to help my son and other children in similar situations. Living for Zachary is the vehicle that helps me act.
What made you interested in joining the Board of Directors?
It is easy to get involved with nonprofits that help children and families of congenital heart disease. However, it is difficult to get involved in such a way that affects the organization, the children, or the families. Serving on Living for Zachary’s Board of Directors allows me to serve in a way that I can see the results of my efforts. For example, I can help direct the organization by serving on the board, and I can help the children and families directly by volunteering at our heart screenings.
Why are you passionate about preventing sudden cardiac arrest in youth?
I do not want any family to experience the fear and pain that accompanies congenital heart disease, especially SCA. I wish I knew how to eliminate congenital heart disease. In the meantime, I can make it a little easier on children and their families while they go through it. I would love to know that I have helped direct the organization or volunteered at a heart screening that saves a child or eases their experience.
What aspect of this mission excites you the most? What do you envision for the future?
The services themselves excite me. Living for Zachary positively and directly affects the children and their families. We help place AED’s and train people to use them, and we provide heart screenings for free! I cannot think of anything more helpful than that!
Aside from the Board of Directors, are you currently involved with Living for Zachary’s mission in other ways?
I occasionally get to speak with families while they are experiencing this crucible. I am not sure anyone always has the right words, but it helps to know others who have gone through it or currently live it each day. It helps to know you are not alone.
What is your favorite L4Z event?
I love the heart screenings. It brings me joy to see our people take care of kids. I know some of the physicians who review the screenings, and they are world class! I love that Living for Zachary brings such quality services to so many people.
Thank you, Hunter, for your dedication to Living for Zachary’s mission and your service on the Board of Directors!