Hellen J. Collins was born in Griffin, Georgia. She began her career in the Atlanta Life Insurance company in 1930 as a clerk. In 1965 she became the vice president and secretary of the administrative assistant and director of personnel. In 1970 she became the assistant secretary, vice president in 1974, and became a trustee of the Herndon Foundation in 1976. During these successive years of climbing the ladder, Collins was able to broaden her skills under Eugene Martin. 1985, Collins was elected Chairman of the Atlanta Life Board of Directors. This event is important because she became the first woman to serve in this position. After retiring in 1978, Helen Collins continued to serve as executive consultant and coordinator of the reconstruction of the home office building in Atlanta and as board liaison in the renovation of the Herndon mansion until her death in 1994.