Diana Burns is the Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation, and University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation.
A senior executive with more than 20 years of experience leading mission-driven organizations across the Canadian health care, research, and not-for-profit sectors, Ms. Burns brings a strategic, enterprise-wide perspective to her work – helping complex organizations align resources with long-term goals, identify and manage risk, and uphold the highest standards of accountability and public confidence. She is recognized for her expertise in governance, investment management, enterprise risk, and stakeholder accountability, and for a deep commitment to advancing innovation that improves lives and strengthens communities.
In her current role, Ms. Burns holds executive accountability for a broad portfolio spanning hospital administration and operations, research administration, legal and compliance, commercialization and innovation, and foundation management – working collaboratively with a team of senior leaders. She has built her career through progressive roles across the Canadian health care and public sectors, grounded by an early career in public practice at a national accounting firm.
Committed to giving back, Ms. Burns has contributed to the not-for-profit sector through board service in governance and financial oversight capacities. As a member of the Genome Canada Board of Directors, she brings her experience in complex, mission-driven organizations to support Genome Canada’s role as a national catalyst for genomics research, scientific excellence, and societal impact.
She holds a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) designation and a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from McMaster University.
