Nancy Brown

Nancy Brown is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the American Heart Association (AHA), a position she has held since 2008. The AHA is widely known and highly respected as the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to preventing, treating and defeating cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Under Brown's leadership, the AHA has become a global authority on cardiovascular and brain health as well as overall health and well-being. Forging powerful partnerships –- together with more than 35 million volunteers, supporters and staff in more than 100 countries –- Brown champions equitable health for all and is committed to innovation at the intersection of science, technology and public health on behalf of patients and their families.

Prior to being named CEO, Brown served as AHA's Chief Operating Officer, managing the AHA'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. 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.

Brown serves on numerous global leadership councils, including the CNBC and Wall Street Journal CEO Councils, Yale CEO Summit and Women Leaders in Healthcare. She is also a leader with the World Economic Forum, where she serves as a member and past co-chair of the Health & Healthcare Governors Community; co-chair of the Global Health Equity Network; and executive board member of the Global Coalition for Value in Healthcare.