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 Nancy'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. Nancy'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 and donors.
Nancy has also led the organization to a number of significant advances in the time that she has served as its top staff executive, these include: a laser focus on prevention and the benefits of preventative health as outlined in the AHA's 2010-13 strategic plan, creating the Vision for Volunteerism initiative to generate even more significant opportunities for volunteers to impact the AHA's mission, development of the first-ever integrated global strategy for the Association, launching new programs to expand individual giving and increase the Association's revenue and mission impact in small communities, and instilling a culture of innovation throughout the AHA, spearheaded by the AHA's Innovation Think Tank which is comprised of staff executives and volunteer thought leaders, who have among other things, created the roadmap for future new mission and revenue business enterprises.
In addition to her tireless efforts for the AHA, Nancy shares her passion for improving the health of individuals in the U.S. and globally by serving on the boards of the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, the National Health Council, Research! America and the Partnership for Prevention. She was also recently appointed co-chairman of the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care, which is being convened to reframe how to provide end of life care that respects patient's wishes and ensures quality decision-making and outcomes for families and healthcare providers.
Prior to being named CEO, Nancy served as AHA's Chief Operating Officer for the eight prior years. In this role she managed the Association's mission, science and business functions and led the AHA's 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 her start in 1986 leading fundraising initiatives in the Michigan Affiliate, including serving as the Executive Director in Metro Detroit, as well as leading the AHA's work as Executive Vice President of the former Massachusetts and New England Affiliates. Prior to joining the American Heart Association, Nancy also served her home state of Michigan as Director of Development/Deputy Director of the Endowment Campaign for the Michigan Cancer Foundation, and as Special Events Director for Mount Carmel Mercy Hospital in Detroit.