Debra Berns

Chief Risk Officer, Compliance & Ethics Officer, Internal Audit Executive

Professional Overview
Debra Berns is a seasoned executive with extensive expertise in risk management, compliance, ethics, and internal audit. She currently holds the esteemed positions of Chief Risk Officer, Compliance & Ethics Officer, and Internal Audit Executive at the prestigious Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. With a strong background in the healthcare and corporate sectors, Debra brings a unique blend of strategic insight and operational excellence to her roles.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As the Chief Risk Officer, Compliance & Ethics Officer, and Internal Audit Executive at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Debra is responsible for overseeing the organization's comprehensive risk management framework, ensuring adherence to regulatory and ethical standards, and leading the internal audit function. Her leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the institution's governance, mitigating risks, and fostering a culture of integrity.

Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Debra served as the Chief Compliance, Ethics & Privacy Officer and Senior Deputy General Counsel at UnitedHealth Group, where she was instrumental in driving enterprise-wide compliance initiatives and enhancing the company's ethical practices. Earlier in her career, she held the position of Vice President and Senior Counsel, Benefits at CBS Corporation, demonstrating a diverse background in the corporate sector.

Academic Background
Debra holds a juris doctor degree from a prestigious law school, where she displayed academic excellence and a keen interest in the intersection of law, business, and ethics.

Areas of Expertise

• Risk management and mitigation strategies

• Compliance and ethics program development and implementation

• Internal audit leadership and process improvement

• Healthcare industry regulations and best practices

• Corporate governance and policy framework

• Strategic planning and executive-level decision making

Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Debra has spearheaded numerous high-impact initiatives, including the overhaul of UnitedHealth Group's compliance program, which resulted in significant improvements in operational efficiency and regulatory adherence. At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, she has been instrumental in strengthening the organization's risk management practices, leading to enhanced patient safety and operational resilience.

Conclusion
Debra Berns is a respected and accomplished professional who has consistently demonstrated her ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, foster ethical organizational cultures, and drive strategic initiatives that positively impact the healthcare and corporate sectors. Her versatile expertise and proven track record of success make her a valuable asset in her current and future endeavors.