Mariell Jessup, MD was named the 2021 HFSA Distinguished Leadership Award winner.

Dr. Jessup is the Chief Science and Medical Officer of the American Heart Association (AHA). She is responsible for leading the Association’s science enterprise including our science and medical strategy and key strategic science relationships. 

An internationally renowned thought leader in heart failure research, prevention and treatment, Dr. Jessup’s efforts resulted in heart failure and transplant cardiology becoming a certified secondary subspecialty in 2004. Her tireless and compassionate work as a physician scientist and mentor have touched the lives of many patients and their families, and young professionals, over her distinguished clinical career. 

During her over 24 years of volunteer service to the Association Dr. Jessup has served in many notable roles, including as Chair of the ACC/AHA Heart Failure guidelines in 2009, and the Association’s Committee on Scientific Sessions Program In 2009 and 2010. She was the 2013-14 President of the Association and received its highest honor, the Gold Heart Award, in June 2018.