Heather Burns, Senior Vice President at Jefferies, won the Salute to Service award Markets Media Group’s 2025 U.S. Women in Finance Awards. Prior to her career in finance, she served as a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army from 2002 to 2007, holding leadership roles in logistics and operations.

Your career spans both military aviation and 16 years in electronic trading and securities lending. How have these two chapters shaped the way you approach your work today?

Service is the overarching theme in my work. First it was service to my country and brothers and sisters in arms, and now it is service to my clients, colleagues, and shareholders. If you recognize that the work you do, in whatever role you have, helps enhance the experience of those around you, you will consistently provide a product you can be proud of.

What qualities or habits from your time as a Blackhawk pilot have stayed with you throughout your career in finance?

I still wake up early every morning to do PT (physical training). Just like in the military, you never know what the day will bring, but I feel a sense of accomplishment with having started the day with a run, bike ride or swim. Staying healthy and active keeps my mind sharp and also allows me to pursue personal goals outside of the workplace. An example of that is completing my first full Ironman triathlon in June.

What sparked your transition from military service into the world of financial markets?

After I left the military, I pursued an MBA at Notre Dame. As a first-year student, when listening to the students speak about their internships, I was fascinated by the experiences of those that spent the summer in sales and trading. I was drawn to the fast-paced nature of the job and knowing every day could bring a different challenge.

When you think about that early career change, what was the biggest challenge — and what ultimately helped you navigate it?

As a career changer, I came into the seat without the experience some of my more junior colleagues had. I took the opportunity to learn from them the nuances of the job that were not part of the traditional training. I also took copious notes to avoid asking the same question twice.  Finding people with experience that you can trust early in your career is essential so you can get the guidance and feedback you need.

Our event happened to fall on Veterans Day, and you received the Salute to Service Award. What did that moment represent for you, both personally and professionally?

Receiving such a tremendous honor that recognized my military service and my career in financial services on Veterans Day was truly humbling and filled me with immense gratitude. Sharing that moment with people who I have known at every stage of my career was surreal. It reinforced my pride in both my service and professional journey.

What’s your advice to the next generation of women in finance?

When I was interested in a role in Brazil, I found a tutor on Craigslist to start teaching me Portuguese. There are infinite resources available today to learn any skill you can imagine.  If you don’t have the skills you need for a job you want, go get them. You don’t need permission — you just need passion.