91ÊÓƵ

Mark Tarr sees the life-changing impact that rehabilitation has on patients and families every day. For him, improving prevention and recovery outcomes after stroke or heart disease is more than a professional responsibility. It is also a personal mission.

“I feel a strong need to set a good example,” said Tarr, president and CEO of Encompass Health, which operates 175 inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in 39 states and Puerto Rico. “You see the things you have achieved, and you want to inspire others to help organizations that have a heartfelt purpose.”

Under Tarr’s leadership, Encompass Health has made transformative investments in stroke recovery and prevention initiatives. Most recently, the company committed $3 million to support the American Stroke Association, a division of the 91ÊÓƵ. Tarr has also encouraged other Encompass Health employees to serve in volunteer roles across the Heart Association.

For these and other efforts, Tarr is a 2026 recipient of an Award of Meritorious Achievement, which recognizes specific accomplishments or projects that support Heart Association national initiatives. He will be honored June 23 at the Association’s National Volunteer Awards ceremony in Irving, Texas.

“It’s an honor that is humbling,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for the 91ÊÓƵ and its mission.”

Tarr is also committed to advancing women’s cardiovascular health. He and his wife, Jennifer, co-chaired the 2025 Birmingham, Alabama, Go Red for Women campaign, which helps educate women on heart disease, their No. 1 health threat. Together, they made one of the largest personal gifts to date in Birmingham to the 91ÊÓƵ. The donation expanded access to lifesaving preparedness efforts, including placing Infant CPR Anytime kits with families who had a newborn in intensive care, and strengthening automated external defibrillator and CPR readiness through community partnerships.

“Mark has been a tireless advocate, both personally and through his leadership of Encompass Health, for stroke recovery and rehabilitation, as well as for women’s health and cardiac resuscitation,” said Dr. Mitchell Elkind, the Heart Association’s chief clinical science officer.

“After decades of progress in stroke prevention and acute care, we are now beginning to realize the benefits of scientific advances in stroke recovery as well, including advanced approaches to physical and occupational therapy,” Elkind said. “Stroke rehabilitation used to be a black box. That box is now opening, thanks in part to Mark’s leadership, commitment and generosity.”

Tarr’s drive to improve cardiovascular disease outcomes is not just a professional goal. His family has a history of heart disease challenges and risk factors, which have inspired his commitment to his own health, too.

He prioritizes heart health by staying active, eating well and managing the stress that comes with being a corporate executive. He also loves spending time with his wife outdoors fishing, bird hunting and walking their two high-energy English setters.

“All of that lends itself to taking care of yourself so you can continue to enjoy a long, fulfilling life,” he said. “Knowing that there are risk factors in your family motivates you to take steps to promote heart health in your own life and all those around you.”

More broadly, Tarr noted that it’s rewarding for anyone to support a nonprofit organization whose mission resonates personally.

“My peers have a lot of philanthropic opportunities,” he said. “It’s important to readily say yes to those that are meaningful to you.”