On April 11, Christopher Burke joined the Office of Government and Community Relations as the new director of community relations.

“Chris brings a network of professional contacts in local government and relationships with key leaders to Georgia Tech that will serve the Institute well as we seek to strengthen our involvement in and support of our surrounding communities,” said Dene Sheheane, executive director of government and community relations.

As director, Burke will maintain and cultivate relationships with community and government groups including the Atlanta City Council and the Mayor’s Office. He will coordinate community outreach activities with local neighborhood associations and will advise Tech students on community service and leadership opportunities related to community initiatives.   

“I'm very excited about the chance to serve the communities surrounding Georgia Tech and work on initiatives that improve the quality of life for people in these areas — and all residents in metro-Atlanta,” he said.

Burke comes to Tech from the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, where he has been employed since 1999 and has served as vice president of government affairs since 2003. In this role, Burke worked with neighborhood, government and business leaders on housing initiatives that are important to the Atlanta area.  

“Those experiences taught me consensus-building skills that are relevant to progress and the many commonalities we as residents of metro-Atlanta share,” he added. “Ensuring that Georgia Tech's reputation of excellence resonates with members of the Atlanta community is a priority. My goal is to ensure that every community we touch will enjoy a stronger future.”

Burke earned a bachelor of arts in sociology and a master of public administration from Clark-Atlanta University.