Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the American Heart Association (AHA), has been recognized by *Modern Healthcare* as one of the Top Women Leaders for 2024. This prestigious recognition honors women executives across the healthcare industry for their significant contributions to improving care delivery, advancing health equity, and promoting gender equality in healthcare leadership.
Since assuming the role of CEO in 2008, Brown has led the AHA, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2024, with a visionary approach that has had a profound impact on public health. Her recognition by *Modern Healthcare* is based on her measurable influence within the organization and the broader healthcare sector over the past year.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from *Modern Healthcare* and to be acknowledged alongside the 2024 Top Women Leaders. The lifesaving work of the American Heart Association has always been a team effort, powered by our volunteers, supporters, partners, patients, survivors, and staff. I am humbled to accept this award in recognition of their impact,” Brown stated. “I look forward to the impact we will achieve together in our second century.”
Brown’s recent initiatives underscore her commitment to health improvement. In June 2023, she launched the “Nation of Lifesavers,” a CPR education movement inspired by the cardiac arrest of NFL player Damar Hamlin, which heightened public interest in the technique. Another key initiative, “Health Care by Food,” emphasizes the critical connection between nutrition and overall well-being. The AHA’s focus on health equity, rural health, and addressing social determinants of health has reinforced its leadership position, with the organization surpassing $1.2 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2022-23.
As the first female CEO of the AHA, Brown has championed women’s health and leadership, spearheading global movements like “Go Red for Women®” and “Research Goes Red®.” Her leadership has earned praise for strengthening the AHA’s role as a global authority on cardiovascular and brain health, as noted by Joseph C. Wu, M.D., Ph.D., FAHA, AHA’s volunteer president, who nominated her for the award. Wu highlighted Brown’s ability to build collaborative partnerships and her enduring influence on the healthcare industry.
