Helene Burns is chief nursing and operations executive at AtlantiCare. In her role, she is responsible for the practice of nursing across the organization including the oversight of all members of the nursing team. Dr. Burns collaborates with nursing leadership and team members to create and execute a nursing strategy that standardizes care delivery across the AtlantiCare system. She works closely with clinical and administrative leadership to develop and implement tactics for building healthy communities that are based on veracity, compassion and accountability. Dr. Burns joined AtlantiCare in December of 2023 after serving as the regional chief nursing officer at Jefferson Health in Cherry Hill, NJ. Prior to joining Jefferson, she held various nursing leadership positions in New Jersey, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Texas. She began her career as a nurse at AtlantiCare in 1981.

Dr. Burns earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing from Widener University in Chester, PA and her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Burns has served as the president of the Organization of Nurse Leaders, New Jersey and is a board member of the American Organization of Nursing Leadership (AONL), Region 2 which includes New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. She is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and AONL. Dr. Burns serves on the Garden State Council, Boy Scouts of America® Women of Achievement Committee, Rutgers School of Nursing Camden Dean’s Leadership Circle and Widener University School of Nursing Advisory Council.