Julie Burns

Julie Burns is the president and CEO of RIZE Massachusetts and leads the foundation’s work researching, investing in, and expanding evidence-based treatment solutions as well as building coalitions across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors to end the overdose epidemic in Massachusetts.  Previously, Julie was a senior director at the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation overseeing communication strategy, strategic planning, and administration.  Prior to her work with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Julie worked for former Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino in several roles including deputy chief of staff; director of the Office of Arts, Tourism, and Special Events; president of the Fund for Boston Neighborhoods; and executive director of Boston 2004 Inc., created to prepare Boston for the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Virginia Commonwealth University, has a graduate certificate in public relations from Emerson College, and has completed senior executive programs at Babson University, Bentley University, and the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Julie served as member of the city of Boston’s Office of Recovery Services Substance Use Prevention Advisory Board under former Mayor Marty Walsh and was appointed as a member of the Commission on Methamphetamine Use by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker in October 2021.  She also serves her community on several nonprofit boards and commissions.