C. Michael Valentine, MD, officially assumed his role as the new president of the American College of Cardiology on March 12 during a convocation ceremony at the organization’s annual scientific session in Orlando.

Valentine is a senior cardiologist at the Stroobants Cardiovascular Center of Centra Health in Lynchburg, Virginia, and has previously served on the ACC’s board of trustees and advocacy committee and as the Virginia chapter governor and board of governors chair.

“Being ACC President is a tremendous honor and privilege, not only for me, but for our group practice and health system at Centra,” he said in a press release. “This recognizes the importance and responsibility of community systems to lead with the highest quality care and clinical research. It also encourages grassroots members who work at the local chapter level to further advance the mission of the College.”

Valentine earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and his medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He and his wife, Shannon Valentine, Virginia’s transportation secretary, have three adult children.