The World Heart Federation (WHF) is honoring Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, with its Lifetime Achievement Award for 2025. This prestigious recognition is a testament to Nancy’s extraordinary leadership and lifelong commitment to transforming cardiovascular health on a global scale.
Under Nancy’s bold leadership, the Association has become a global force for transforming the way the world understands, treats and prevents cardiovascular disease—the world’s leading cause of death.
A relentless advocate for patients, families and caregivers, Brown has accelerated the Association’s lifesaving research, science and innovation to empower people to live longer, healthier lives. The Heart Association has invested $6.1 billion in research since 1949.
“It’s a tremendous honor to receive this recognition from the World Heart Federation,” said Brown. “These accolades reflect the dedication of our volunteers, supporters and staff around the world who power the American Heart Association’s mission every day. I’m grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the advancements and impact we’ve made to improve cardiovascular health and transform lives.”
Brown’s professional journey with the Association began in 1986. She ascended to the role of CEO in 2008, earning a reputation for building impactful partnerships and engaging and uniting 35 million volunteers, supporters and staff to advance the Association’s mission.
Among her many accomplishments:
- Launched global quality improvement programs from a concept in the late 1990s to the robust Get With The Guidelines and American Heart Association certification program in the United States, Mexico, Latin America, India and part of Asia. These programs help to measure and ensure consistent, evidence-based care in time-sensitive medical situations like heart attack, stroke and cardiac arrest.
- Accelerated research and innovation, including the Go Red for Women Venture Fund® investing $75 million in companies that address gaps in women’s heart and brain health.
- Mobilized lifesaving campaigns, including the Association’s CPR education effort known as the Nation of Lifesavers™, which aims to double survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest by 2030. The Heart Association trains approximately 22 million people annually in CPR and develops first aid and resuscitation guidelines that are used globally.
Earlier this year, Brown was named to TIME’s 2025 TIME100 Health, a list of the most influential people in global health. She has also received numerous awards, recognizing her leadership as a changemaker dedicated to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere.
