Debra Burns
About Debra Burns
Debra Burns serves as the Interim Assistant Commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Health, a position she has held since 2020. With a Master's Degree in Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, she has extensive experience in various leadership roles within the department since 2010.
Work at Minnesota Department of Health
Debra Burns has held multiple roles at the Minnesota Department of Health since 2010. She currently serves as the Interim Assistant Commissioner, a position she has held since 2020. In addition to this role, she has been the Director of the Community Health Division since 2016 and the Director of the Health Partnerships Division since 2015. She also served as the Acting Assistant Commissioner for a brief period from 2018 to 2019 and has been the Director of the Office of Performance Improvement since 2010. Her extensive experience spans over a decade in various leadership capacities within the department.
Education and Expertise
Debra Burns earned her Master's Degree in Public Affairs from the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. This educational background has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex public health issues and implement effective health policies. Her expertise encompasses community health, health equity, and performance improvement within public health systems.
Background
Debra Burns has dedicated her career to public health, particularly within the Minnesota Department of Health. She has accumulated significant experience in various divisions, focusing on community health and health partnerships. Her work has primarily taken place in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area, where she has contributed to the development and implementation of health initiatives aimed at improving community health outcomes.
Achievements
Throughout her tenure at the Minnesota Department of Health, Debra Burns has played a key role in advancing health equity and community health initiatives. Her leadership in the Community Health Division and Health Partnerships Division has been instrumental in fostering collaborations that enhance public health services. Additionally, her work in the Office of Performance Improvement has contributed to optimizing health department operations and outcomes.