Charles Burke

Charles Burke is President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park—among the world’s premier art, culture, and horticulture destinations—in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Since 2023, he’s guided Meijer Gardens to unprecedented success, achieving the highest annual attendance in its 30-year history and welcoming its 16 millionth visitor. Under his direction, the organization has been recognized as Best Sculpture Park in the United States by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and consecutively named one of the Best Places to Work in West Michigan, 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, with his hallmark commitment to making the arts, culture and nature accessible to all. An active community leader, he serves on the Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. Board of Advisors and contributes to cultural and civic initiatives.

Charles previously served as President and CEO of The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms, transforming the waterfront campus into a thriving arts, culture, and community engagement hub and redefining its mission, fostering regional impact through innovative programming and sustainable practices.

In key Detroit Symphony Orchestra roles as Senior Director of Education and orchestral conductor, he championed the African American Fellowship program and Civic Youth Ensembles. Charles led over 300 performances as a conductor, collaborating with Leonard Slatkin, Itzhak Perlman, Emanuel Ax and other legendary artists. His artistic leadership included 22 world premieres and commissions.

Charles, who holds degrees from George Mason University and West Virginia University, completed executive leadership training at Harvard Business School and Columbia College.