Nancy Brown

Nancy Brown is the chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting cardiovascular disease and stroke. Brown began her professional journey with the Association in Michigan and has held multiple leadership positions, including executive director in Metro Detroit and executive vice president of the former Massachusetts and former New England Affiliates. Before joining the American Heart Association, Brown served as director of development and deputy director of the endowment campaign for the Michigan Cancer Foundation and as special events director for Mount Carmel Mercy Hospital in Detroit.

As CEO, Brown has overseen the American Heart Association's growth as a global authority on cardiovascular and brain health, generating $1.2 billion annually to support its mission. The organization has launched multi-million-dollar research initiatives and is recognized as the largest non-governmental funder of cardiovascular research in the United States. The Association has invested more than $6.1 billion to advance scientific discoveries in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular care. Brown played a key role in the creation of the Association's signature platform "Go Red for Women" and quality improvement programs such as "Get with the Guidelines." She also helped establish the "Go Red for Women" Venture Fund, which invests in companies focused on health solutions for women.

As the first and only female CEO in the Association's history, Brown has promoted equitable health initiatives, including "Go Red for Women" and "Research Goes Red." She has expanded the organization's leadership in resuscitation science and CPR/AED education and training, including the launch of the "Nation of Lifesavers" movement. The American Heart Association trains approximately 22 million people annually in CPR and develops first aid and resuscitation guidelines used globally. Under Brown's leadership, the organization has also advanced public policies to promote healthier communities across the United States.

Brown has been recognized as a leader in global health, named to TIME's TIME100 Health, Forbes 50 Over 50, and The NonProfit Times Power and Influence Top 50. The NonProfit Times has recognized her leadership multiple times, and Modern Healthcare has named her among its Top Women Leaders in Healthcare. At the European Society of Cardiology Congress, Brown received the World Heart Federation Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring her contributions to cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment through advocacy, research, and education.

Brown has participated in international forums, including a TIME100 Health panel in New York, discussing the future of healthcare with leading cardiologists and medical researchers. She serves as chairman-elect of the National Health Council, co-chairman of the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care, and as a member of the executive committee and board of directors of Research America. Brown's career demonstrates the impact of mission-driven leadership, sustained advocacy, investment in science, and a commitment to health equity in improving outcomes for people worldwide.