Celebrating Helen Hrdy: One of Nebraska’s Top 50 Women Leaders of 2025
At NRC Health, we believe great leadership begins with Human Understanding. We’re proud to celebrate our very own Chief Operating Officer, Helen Hrdy, who has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Nebraska for 2025 by Women We Admire.
This honor highlights women across the Cornhusker State who are not only driving organizational success, but also shaping industries, communities, and the future of leadership. Helen’s inclusion on this year’s list reflects the profound impact she continues to make in healthcare and beyond.
A Career Rooted in Purpose and Progress
Helen has spent her career guiding healthcare organizations toward stronger relationships with the people they serve. Her leadership at NRC Health is defined by an unwavering commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes through strategic alignment, service excellence, and a deep belief in the power of empathy.
Her trajectory at NRC Health—from Chief Growth Officer to Chief Operating Officer—demonstrates a consistent focus on results and relationships. Under Helen’s leadership, multidisciplinary teams have delivered transformative solutions that drive partner success, customer retention, and operational performance.
Leadership Inspired by Human Understanding
Human Understanding is central to Helen’s leadership—guiding both how she serves others and how she supports the people around her.
“I love Human Understanding as a core tenet of the work we do and how we should lead,” Helen said. “We’re all human, and our personal lives are woven in with our professional lives. So I love getting to know associates and what motivates them, but I also try to lead with empathy for what else they may be dealing with in their lives.”
That people-first mindset shapes how Helen mentors others and builds high-performing teams.
One of her greatest rewards as a leader?
“Seeing individual associates grow in their roles,” she said. “I’ve had the privilege of seeing individuals I personally hired grow in their professional careers, and that is hugely rewarding.”
Championing Women in Healthcare Leadership
Helen’s impact also extends to her support of women in leadership across the healthcare industry. Over the years, she has partnered with and mentored women leaders at all levels—learning from their unique strengths and helping elevate their voices.
“Women tend to lead with empathy and often have great emotional intelligence,” she said. “This allows them to lead teams effectively and navigate complex challenges with grace.”
To women aspiring to grow their careers in healthcare, Helen offers this advice:
“As a woman, you do have to prove yourself differently. Be confident and step into roles that are difficult. The world needs your perspective and experiences at the table!”
Leading with Integrity, Empathy, and Impact
Helen’s recognition by Women We Admire places her alongside other transformative leaders making a difference in Nebraska—from executives in technology and transportation to pioneers in sustainability and nonprofit leadership.
As NRC Health continues our mission to humanize healthcare and elevate the voices of patients, consumers, and caregivers, Helen’s leadership serves as both a model and a motivator.
Please join us in congratulating Helen Hrdy on this well-deserved honor and celebrating the incredible women driving progress across healthcare and beyond.
