Nancy Brown

Nancy Brown has been Chief Executive Officer of the American Heart Association (AHA) since 2009. The Association is widely known and highly respected as the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to preventing, treating and defeating cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

During her tenure as CEO, the AHA has become a global leader in the discovery and dissemination of heart disease and stroke science. Notably, under Brown's leadership the Association announced its bold new 2020 health impact goal: To improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent. Brown's drive to set a brave long-term goal, at a time when many other organizations were focused on short-term needs, has provided a rallying point for the Association's millions of volunteers, staff, and donors.

Prior to being named CEO, Brown served as AHA's Chief Operating Officer, managing the Association's mission, science and operations and integrated strategy to achieve its 2010 Impact Goal to reduce coronary heart disease, stroke and risk by 25 percent. Notable accomplishments include the creation of AHA’s Go Red for Women movement to advance women’s heart health and a suite of quality improvement programs including Get With The Guidelines. She has held multiple leadership positions at the AHA since beginning her career in 1986 leading fundraising in the Michigan Affiliate, serving as the Executive Director in Metro Detroit, as well as Executive Vice President of the former Massachusetts and former New England Affiliates. Prior to joining the AHA, Brown served as Director of Development, Deputy Director of the Endowment Campaign for the Michigan Cancer Foundation, and Special Events Director for Mount Carmel Mercy Hospital in Detroit.