Chester Zelaya
Board Member
2021-present

“My involvement with Heart to Heart provides a unique opportunity for me to give back to my country, to help improve people’s lives there. After 10 years living outside of Costa Rica, it is deeply meaningful for me to contribute something positive.”

Chester Zelaya was born and raised in Costa Rica. After completing his MBA, he began his career in medical technology. He has over 25 years of professional experience with both bio-pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing companies. Currently, Chester serves as Senior Vice President of Global Operations at Edwards Lifesciences, based at the company’s headquarters in Southern California.

Edwards significantly invested in developing a state-of-the-art heart valve manufacturing plant in Costa Rica. As a Costa Rican, Chester is acutely attuned to the strengths and challenges of his home country’s national healthcare system. He brings an insider’s perspective of the complexities to consider as we strive to advance and expand nationwide access to cardiac care. Heart to Heart’s Costa Rica Nationwide Cardiac Care Campaign, 2021–2035 resonates deeply for him, personally and professionally.

He is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys riding his bicycle, photography, and collecting stamps. Chester lives in Southern California with his wife and two sons who frequently join him on his trips to Costa Rica.