Cristina Duncan, BSN, RN, is promoted to CEO and president of Travel Nurses, Inc. after an almost forty-year journey from bedside nurse to leading the nurse-owned staffing agency.

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / Cristina Duncan, BSN, RN, has transitioned to chief executive officer and president of Travel Nurses, Inc. She advanced from her role as chief operating officer and chief nursing officer. Former CEO Bryan Burnett served nearly 20 years with Travel Nurses, Inc. He has now branched off from the organization to pursue new healthcare ventures in the health tech sector. Duncan's promotion marks a significant milestone in her 16-year journey with the organization. Her journey began when she joined as a travel nurse.

Words from the New CEO and President, Cristina Duncan, BSN, RN

Upon accepting her promotion, Duncan reflected on the evolution of her mission in health care. "I started my career at the bedside because I wanted to make a difference in patients' lives," said Duncan. "Now, as CEO and president, my mission is the same - but the scope has expanded. I'm here to empower the nurses and health care professionals who make that difference every single day. This company was built by nurses, for nurses. That will never change under my leadership."

Duncan brings more than three decades of health care expertise to the role. She spent 21 years as a bedside nurse delivering direct patient care. Her experience spans multiple high-acuity specialties. These include adult ICU, pediatric ICU, emergency department and post-anesthesia care unit. She also served as a transplant coordinator. Her clinical foundation, combined with her personal experience as a travel nurse, informs her leadership approach. It drives her deep commitment to empowering health care professionals.

As CEO and president, Duncan will continue advancing the professional development of travel nurses and allied health staff. Her goal is elevating patient care outcomes nationwide. Her leadership has positioned Travel Nurses, Inc. as a trusted partner for health care facilities. The company serves the mid-South and operates nationally.

Words from Former CEO, Denise Burnett Stewart, BSN, RN

"Travel Nurses, Inc. was built on the foundation of being nurse-owned and nurse-operated," said Denise Burnett Stewart, co-founder and former CEO. "This distinction has always set us apart. A nurse understands where healthcare professionals stand, what they need, and what they deserve. Cristina embodies everything Travel Nurses, Inc. stands for - clinical excellence, compassion and unwavering commitment to health care professionals. Over 16 years, she's proven herself as both a visionary leader and a dedicated advocate for nurses. This transition positions the company for continued success. It's led by someone who truly understands the travel nursing experience from every angle."

Duncan holds active memberships in industry organizations. These include the American Nurses Association, the American Organization of Nurse Executives and the American Staffing Association. She also serves on the advisory council for the Loewenberg School of Nursing and the Joint Commission Task Force. Her contributions to health care earned recognition as a finalist for the Memphis Business Journal's Administrative Excellence Health Care Heroes award.

Contact Information

Jacqueline Lycan
Marketing and Digital Development Director
jlycan@travelnursesinc.com

SOURCE: Travel Nurses Inc.