Amy A. Brownell, MSN, FNP-C, FACC

Cardiovascular service line director at Ascension Illinois in Chicago 

At 37, Amy has already done much to seamlessly integrate clinical excellence with executive leadership. In the process she has helped improve cardiovascular care at the national level.  

In her present role, Amy oversees cardiovascular services across five hospitals. Her strategic vision has resulted in the launch of seven heart failure clinics, introduction of cutting-edge technologies including pulsed field ablation (1,000+ cases completed), and development of two new cardiac catheterization labs. Previously, as system director of heart failure programs, she led program expansion across 14 hospitals, demonstrating rare ability to scale clinical innovation while maintaining exceptional quality. 

Brownell’s national impact is equally remarkable. Elected a fellow of the American College of Cardiology in 2023, she serves as co-chair of the ACC Cardiovascular Dyad Work Group and sits on the CV Management Section Leadership Council. She represents Illinois as CV team state liaison and shapes national standards through multiple ACC committees. Her research contributions include co-investigator roles on major clinical trials and publications in premier journals such as Circulation and JACC. 

As national faculty for the ACC, Heart Rhythm Society and Heart Failure Society of America, Amy educates thousands of cardiovascular professionals annually. Her advisory board roles with major pharmaceutical companies influence drug development and patient care protocols nationwide. She champions community health through ACC-sponsored health fairs and mentors the next generation of cardiovascular leaders. 

Amy Brownell embodies clinical expertise, strategic vision and servant leadership. She is shaping the future of cardiovascular care while elevating those around her.