Charles Burke is President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park – one of the
world’s premier destinations for art, culture, and horticulture. Since assuming leadership in
2023, Charles has guided Meijer Gardens to unprecedented success, including achieving the
highest annual attendance in the organization’s 30-year history and welcoming its 15 millionth
visitor. Under his dynamic direction, Meijer Gardens has been recognized as the Best Sculpture
Park in the United States by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in 2023 and 2024 and
consecutively named one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® in West Michigan,
further solidifying its reputation as a cultural landmark of international acclaim.
Charles brings his vision of accessibility, transparency, and creativity to every aspect of Meijer
Gardens’ strategy, programming, and community engagement. His commitment to making the
arts, culture and nature accessible to all is a career hallmark.
Before joining Meijer Gardens, Charles served as President and CEO of The War Memorial in
Grosse Pointe Farms, where he transformed the waterfront cultural campus into a thriving hub
for arts, culture, and community engagement. There he redefined the institution’s mission,
fostering regional impact through innovative programming and sustainable business practices.
At the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO), Charles held key roles as Senior Director of
Education and Orchestral Conductor, where he championed initiatives like the African American
Fellowship program and the Civic Youth Ensembles. He spearheaded the creation of the Pincus
Education Center in Detroit, enhancing connections between orchestral musicians and
communities through interactive performances and programs. As a conductor, Charles led
more than 300 performances, collaborating with legendary artists such as Leonard Slatkin,
Itzhak Perlman and Emanuel Ax. His artistic leadership included 22 world premieres and
commissions.
An active leader in the Grand Rapids community, Charles serves on the Board of Advisors for
Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. (DGRI) and contributes to various cultural and civic initiatives. A
graduate of Leadership Detroit XXXV, he includes roles with TechTown Detroit, Jefferson East,
Inc. and Michigan Youth Arts Festival in his past board service.
Charles holds degrees from George Mason University and West Virginia University and
completed executive leadership training at Harvard Business School and Columbia College.
Originally from the Washington, D.C., area, he began his career as a public school music teacher
in Fairfax County, Virginia, where he earned recognition for his innovative community
partnerships.
