Erik Burke: MEA-MFT's new director

As of January 2, Erik Burke is MEA-MFT's new executive director, replacing David Smith, who has retired.

Burke previously served as MEA-MFT's director of public policy, a position he has held since 2000.

Before coming to MEA-MFT, Burke served as policy advisor for education and labor under then-Governor Marc Racicot.

Erik Burke and daughter Emily

A native Montanan, Burke grew up in a family of educators and public employees. He graduated in 1993 from the University of Notre Dame and received his master's degree in public policy from the University of Chicago in 1996.

Burke is married to Elizabeth Burke, a conservation educator with the Helena National Forest, and is the proud father of two children, Emily (7) and Eamon (5).

Read MEA-MFT President Eric Feaver's column on David Smith and Erik Burke.

Read about other staff changes at MEA-MFT.