CEO Nancy Brown named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2026 “Great Leaders in Healthcare” list

DALLAS, May 1, 2026 - The American Heart Association's Chief Executive Officer Nancy Brown has been named to Becker's Hospital Review's prestigious "Great Leaders in Healthcare" list for 2026. The list recognizes executives who set strategic direction, shape organizational culture and advance healthcare nationwide. Becker's Hospital Review is a leading healthcare industry publication. Its annual recognition lists spotlight leaders whose work demonstrates a bold and courageous commitment to their missions.

Brown is among 51 healthcare leaders recognized in the CEO and Founders category and one of 13 female leaders in that group. She has served as chief executive officer of the American Heart Association since 2008, leading its transformation into a global authority on cardiovascular and brain health.

"Becker's recognition of Nancy Brown is a powerful reflection of her visionary, mission-driven leadership and her unwavering commitment to improving health for everyone, everywhere," said Lee Shapiro, volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association's national board of directors. "Under Nancy's vison, the American Heart Association has accelerated scientific discovery, strengthened the health of communities and expanded our impact around the globe."

Brown's efforts have brought together over 35 million volunteers, donors, supporters and staff globally to drive longer healthier lives. In addition, Brown has expanded quality improvement programs and clinical registries across more than 2,600 U.S. hospitals that care for 80% of the U.S. population; launched the Nation of Lifesavers™ movement to expand CPR and AED training; and advanced women's health through the Go Red for Women® movement, the Research Goes Red registry and the Go Red for Women Venture Fund®. She has also advanced brain health science, strengthened nutrition security through the multisector Health Care by Food™ initiative, led the first-ever definition of cardio kidney metabolic syndrome with an accompanying treatment initiative, built innovative commercial and clinical research enterprises, partnered with leading CEOs to improve workforce and community health and driven policy change through national, state and local advocacy efforts supporting healthier communities and access to affordable care.

"This recognition truly belongs to the extraordinary people who make our work possible," Brown said. "The American Heart Association's impact is driven by the medical and lay volunteers-researchers, clinicians, patients, fundraisers, advocates and community leaders-who give their time and expertise in service of longer, healthier lives along with our dedicated staff. I'm honored to lead an organization powered by people who show up every day with compassion and commitment rooted in science."

Under Brown's leadership, the Association was recently identified by the Annenberg Public Policy Center as the most trusted public health information source after an individual's personal health care provider - more than 8 in 10 (82%) U.S. adults say they are confident in the American Heart Association to provide trustworthy information related to public health. The Association is also the largest non-government funder of cardiovascular- related scientific research in the world with more than $6 billion in funding distributed over the last 75 years.

Published annually in Becker's Hospital Review, the list honors leaders whose influence extends beyond their organizations and into the broader healthcare ecosystem. Leaders are selected through a nomination and editorial research process and organizations cannot pay for inclusion. Brown was recognized among healthcare changemakers whose leadership reflects the vision, resolve and mission-driven focus that Becker's cites as defining characteristics of the 2026 honorees. The full list, including individual profiles, is available at https://www.beckershospitalreview.com.

Additional Resources:

• Downloadable photos are available on the right column of this release link.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, 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:

American Heart Association: Suzanne Grant: [email protected]

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org