2026 STARS Dancing for HEALS

Days

Hours

Jorge, Diaz, MD
Clearview Cancer Institute

Introducing Jorge

DR. JORGE DIAZ is a board-certified hematologist and oncologist at Clearview Cancer Institute, providing compassionate, patient-centered care across North Alabama. He specializes in the diagnosis and management of a broad range of hematologic and oncologic conditions, with an emphasis on personalized treatment plans that address both medical and emotional needs.

A native of Peru, Dr. Diaz earned his medical degree from Cayetano Heredia University School of Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine residency, serving as Chief Medical Resident, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He then joined the UAB Huntsville Internal Medicine Residency Program as an Assistant Professor before pursuing a Hematology and Oncology fellowship at the University of Louisville, where he also served as Chief Fellow.

Dr. Diaz returned to Huntsville in 2017 to join the Clearview Cancer Institute and has played a key role in expanding access to clinical research and innovative cancer treatments within the community.

He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is an active member of the American College of Physicians, American Society of Clinical Oncology, and American Society of Hematology. He has received multiple honors for his commitment to education, including the Best Internal Medicine Award during his time as faculty at UAB.

Outside of medicine, he enjoys soccer, travel, and time with his wife, Judith, and their two children, Nicolas and Rebecca.

Fundraising Total

Becca Donovan
Von Braun Center

Introducing Becca

BECCA DONOVAN serves as Director of Event Services at the Von Braun Center, where she leads the event management team in planning and executing a diverse portfolio of events, from large-scale conventions and concerts to community gatherings. With over 12 years of experience at the VBC, Becca has advanced through the ranks from Event Manager to Senior Event Manager to Director, playing a key role in shaping both team development and event operations.

Passionate about bringing events to life, Becca finds her greatest reward in seeing months of planning culminate in memorable guest experiences. She thrives in the fast-paced nature of the industry, especially during the VBC’s busiest seasons when multiple major events transform the venue in rapid succession through teamwork and precision.

Her leadership approach is grounded in Southern hospitality, treating every guest as the most important person in the room and ensuring each visit feels exceptional.

Outside of work, Becca loves spending time with her husband, Kynan, and their two sons, Clayton and Wyatt. Whether she’s cooking at home or cheering from the sidelines at the ballfield, much of her free time is centered around family and supporting her boys. She is also actively involved in her community, serving on the HMCHA board and as a PTA board member. At home, the family enjoys life with their two doodles, Luke and Boone.

Fundraising Total

Lauren Haney
*Launched Stars Dancing for HEALS
Henry Schein

Introducing Lauren

LAUREN HANEY began her journey with HEALS, Inc. as the first marketing and development intern, where she quickly developed a passion for the organization’s mission. Eventually becoming a full-time staff member for development, she helped cultivate community partnerships and sponsorships and went on to create what would become one of HEALS’ most beloved traditions: Stars Dancing for HEALS.

Now, as the fundraiser celebrates its 20th year, Lauren returns not as staff — but as a dancer — honoring the event she helped launch two decades ago.

Today, Lauren serves as a Field Sales Consultant with Henry Schein Dental in Huntsville, where she partners with dental practices across North Alabama. In another meaningful full-circle moment, she now supports HEALS from a different angle by helping supply the dental materials, equipment, and technology used in the organization’s clinics.

From intern, to founder of the signature fundraiser, to continued community partner, to 20th anniversary dancer — Lauren’s story reflects her enduring commitment to HEALS and the children it serves.

Lauren’s greatest joy is at home with her husband, Josh, and their two young boys, Hugh and Dean. She treasures her faith, traveling, singing, and making memories with friends.

Fundraising Total

$1200

John & Christina Hearne
First Horizon Bank &
Madison Visionary Partners

Introducing John & Christina

JOHN AND CHRISTINA HEARNE are passionate community leaders dedicated to service, leadership development, and strengthening the Huntsville and Madison communities through both their professional and volunteer work.

John Hearne serves as Senior Vice President and Private Client Relationship Manager at First Horizon Bank in Madison, where he specializes in banking and wealth management strategies for affluent clients. Throughout his career, he has developed expertise in private banking, consumer lending, investment advisory services, institutional asset management, and financial planning. John is also deeply involved in the community, serving as a Deacon at First Baptist Church of Huntsville and contributing to numerous nonprofit and civic organizations, including Christian Job Corps of Madison County, Therapy Partners, Inc., Huntsville Hospital Foundation, Village of Promise, and Madison Visionary Partners. He is a graduate of Leadership Greater Huntsville’s Focus Class 38 and has mentored entrepreneurs through HudsonAlpha’s AgTech Accelerator program.

Christina Hearne is the Executive Director of Madison Visionary Partners, where she brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and organizational development. Prior to her current role, she spent more than a decade with the Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® (HAAR), serving in leadership roles that included oversight of Professional Standards, Marketing & Events, Government Affairs, and Education. Her leadership background also includes work with Village of Promise and Leadership Greater Huntsville, where she focused on development, fundraising, and transformational leadership programming. Christina earned her degree in Advertising and Graphic Design from The University of Alabama and remains actively involved in her church and local community initiatives.

Originally from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, John and Christina live in Madison with their children, Lainey and John Michael, and their puppy, Auggie.

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Josh Herren & Danielle Edgemon
Yulista & Salon 907

Introducing Josh & Danielle

JOSH HERREN AND DANIELLE EDGEMON are passionate leaders, entrepreneurs, and community advocates who share a love for family, service, and giving back.

Josh Herren, originally from Nenana, Alaska, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Yulista Holding, LLC, where he oversees a portfolio of companies in the aerospace and defense industries. A former Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operator, Josh transitioned from military service into corporate leadership, helping drive Yulista’s growth through strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, and leadership development. He holds degrees in business administration and an MBA, along with multiple certifications in mergers, acquisitions, and valuation analysis. Josh also serves on several community and industry boards, including the EOD Warrior Foundation and the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce.

Danielle Edgemon is the owner and operator of Salon 907, a name inspired by Alaska’s area code and a tribute to the place where both she and Josh were born. For more than 21 years, Danielle has built a career as a hairdresser and makeup artist centered on helping women feel confident, beautiful, and cared for. Beyond the salon, she is deeply committed to serving others through volunteer work with the Eighth Street community and Tim Tebow’s “Night to Shine” prom, using her talents to help individuals with disabilities feel celebrated and seen. Danielle treasures the relationships she has built through this work and considers it one of the most rewarding parts of her career.

Together, Josh and Danielle enjoy traveling, fitness, golf, and spending time with their blended family, including their four children and two dogs, Aly and Bear. They are honored to support HEALS and its mission to provide quality health care to children in need.

Fundraising Total

Kym Middleton, MD
Huntsville Hospital

Introducing Kym

KYM MIDDLETON is a pediatric hospitalist at Huntsville Hospital for Women and Children where she cares for newborn babies and also for sick children admitted to the pediatric floor. She loves teaching and works with medical students and Family Medicine residents of the Huntsville campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, as well as multidisciplinary teams to promote quality improvement and team-based education within the pediatric department.

Dr. Middleton was born and raised in Huntsville and attended undergraduate and medical school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She completed her pediatric residency in Greenville, SC, and stayed on as Chief Resident before returning to her hometown.

She is passionate about serving children, not just in the medical setting, but also outside in the community, serving on the Boards of the Huntsville-Madison County Library Foundation, National Children’s Advocacy Center, and the Madison County Medical Society and she is always enthusiastic to learn of new ways to help children. She was even a part of the Young Professional Advisory Council of HEALS when it started! She is also heavily involved in the American Academy of Pediatrics as the Area Representative for the State Chapter and liaison for Reach Out and Read-Alabama. She is the host and showrunner of the AL AAP’s podcast, The Alabama Pediatrician, which shares medical updates, resources, and AAP news to pediatric providers to help better care for Alabama children and their families.

In her free time she enjoys drawing and puzzling, along with traveling with her husband Geoffrey, and spending time with him and their new rescue dog, Koby! She also loves to geek out over fandoms like Disney and Harry Potter and frequently dresses up for work!

Fundraising Total

$3,109.12

DiAndre & Tatyana Pierce
Northrop Grumman &
Murphy Companies Inc. (MCI)

Introducing Diandre & Tatyana

DIANDRE AND TATYANA PIERCE are a Huntsville-area couple passionate about leadership, real estate investing, mentorship, and community impact. Together, they have built careers rooted in excellence while creating a meaningful life centered on family, service, and growth.

DiAndre Pierce is an Engineering Manager at Northrop Grumman with a background in government contracting and mechanical engineering. Since 2019, he has built a career focused on technical leadership while also investing heavily in mentorship and youth development. In addition to his real estate ventures across North Alabama, he has founded groups focused on teaching young men financial literacy, investing, and character development, and has served as an AAU basketball coach. DiAndre earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alabama and has been recognized through published features and inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who.

Tatyana Pierce is the Estimating Manager for Murphy Companies Incorporated (MCI), overseeing estimating and purchasing operations across more than 20 active residential communities for Red Door Homes and Murphy Homes. Since beginning her construction career in 2019, she has become a respected leader in residential estimating, procurement strategy, and cost management. She also co-founded Sic Parvus Magna LLC, a property management and investment company serving North Alabama and Mississippi. Tatyana earned a B.S. in Construction Engineering from the University of Alabama and enjoys fitness, real estate design, and spending time with family.

The Pierces met during DiAndre’s final semester at the University of Alabama and have been building life together ever since. They reside in Hazel Green, Alabama, with their two children and cane corso, Bronx.

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Seth Swalve
Capstone Realty
Ivey HSV

Introducing Seth

SETH SWALVE is a Real Estate Agent with Capstone Realty and a partner of IveyHSV. He enjoys helping people navigate the buying and selling process during meaningful life transitions and has developed a growing passion for real estate investing, drawn to both the challenge and opportunity it brings.

Seth began his professional career as a basketball player, competing for four teams across Eastern Europe, the United Kingdom, and Australia. His time overseas gave him the opportunity to experience new cultures, build relationships in unfamiliar environments, and develop a mindset centered around adaptability and persistence—qualities he carries with him today.
He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where he was also a collegiate athlete.

During his time in England, Seth volunteered with local schools, leading basketball clinics and camps focused on building confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of community among young athletes.

Seth values time with family and close friends, enjoys taking on new physical challenges, and spends as much time as he can out on the lake. He grew up in a large family and was shaped by watching his father, a neurologist, dedicate his career to improving the lives of others. Seth now lives in the UAH area of Huntsville and remains closely connected to the university and local community

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Masanao "Mas" Watanabe Mazda Toyota Manufacturing

Introducing...

MASANAO “MAS” WATANABE is the Executive Vice President of Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) U.S.A., Inc., serving as the preeminent Toyota representative within the joint venture. In this capacity, he oversees the entirety of manufacturing operations and manages critical business relationships with stakeholders, including onsite and offsite suppliers and regional Toyota business partners.

Watanabe’s distinguished career began in 1996 at Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan. In 2002, he undertook his first overseas assignment in North Huntsville, where he was instrumental in establishing the administrative functions for the new engine plant. His foundational work during this period earned him recognition as one of the founding fathers of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. (TMMAL).

Throughout his tenure, he has held multiple leadership roles across North America. Immediately prior to his current position, Watanabe served as the Chief Financial Officer for Toyota Motor North America, where he managed comprehensive operations spanning the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Watanabe is deeply committed to human development and community enrichment. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, focusing on fostering local economic growth and supporting the workforce.

His personal interests revolve around a balance of physical and mental fitness, as well as the conservation and experience of the natural world. An avid automotive enthusiast, Watanabe can often be found participating in local auto club Autocross events or navigating regional off-road trails while overlanding.

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