DALLAS, Feb. 24, 2025 — Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, has been named to the 2025 CNBC Changemakers: Women Transforming Business list.
This prestigious recognition honors trendsetting women executives from across broad sectors of the economy who are transforming business and philanthropy while leaving an enduring impact on society. Brown’s inclusion on the list underscores her more than three decades of visionary leadership and a commitment to proactively tackling some of health care’s biggest challenges and mobilizing people to drive innovative solutions.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized by CNBC alongside other extraordinary leaders. The lifesaving work of the American Heart Association is powered by the passion and dedication of our volunteers, supporters and staff,” said Brown. “Together, we are on a mission to empower people around the world to live longer, healthier lives.”
Under Brown’s bold leadership, the American Heart Association is transforming the way the world understands, treats and prevents cardiovascular disease and stroke, leading causes of death worldwide. Thanks to the generosity of its individual and corporate donors, the Association generated more than $1.2 billion during its most recent fiscal year to pursue lifesaving research and expand its vital programs and initiatives such as Go Red for Women® and Nation of Lifesavers™.
A relentless champion for women, Brown also played a pivotal role in launching the Association’s $75 million Go Red for Women Venture Fund® to support companies that are translating evidence-based science into products and services designed to drive better health outcomes for women. She is also the driving force behind the Association’s initiatives to meet people where they are, such as Health Care by Food™, a program engaging in scientific research to promote the adoption of interventions that reduce chronic health conditions and curb health care costs.
“Nancy is a visionary leader who believes nothing is impossible when you bring together like-minded people committed to changing the future of health,” said Marsha Jones, American Heart Association volunteer board chair and a retired executive from The PNC Financial Services Group. “As the Association enters its second century, Nancy’s strong leadership and unwavering commitment to patients and caregivers will continue to improve and save lives, advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere.”
Brown has served as CEO since 2008, earning a reputation for her ability to build impactful partnerships. She launched the Association’s CEO Roundtable, a leadership collaborative of nearly 50 CEOs dedicated to sharing and implementing evidence-based approaches to improve employee health and well-being. Brown also holds key leadership roles at the World Economic Forum, serving as a board member of the Global Coalition for Value in Healthcare and past co-chair and current member of the Health & Healthcare Governors Community.
The 2025 CNBC Changemakers will be honored at the Changemakers Summit on April 8 in Los Angeles.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. The organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Liz Bonet: 214-706-1128; liz.bonet@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
