Charles Burke
President & CEO Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
- Grand Rapids MI
Charles Burke champions the intersection of art, culture and nature to build healthy communities—a philosophy he embodies at Meijer Gardens.
Media
Linkedin Profile
Biography
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 and is a graduate of Leadership Detroit.
Industry Expertise
Areas of Expertise
Accomplishments
Graduate
Leadership Detroit XXXV
Education
University of Michigan
Doctoral Work
Orchestral Conducting
1999
George Mason University
M.A.
1996
West Virginia University
B.A.
Music Teacher Education
1994
Affiliations
- Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. : Board of Advisors
Media Appearances
A ‘tail’ of two horses: Meijer Gardens icon’s twin stands in Milan
WOOD TV8 (NBC-Grand Rapids) tv
2026-02-10
In West Michigan, The American Horse is an iconic centerpiece and a huge draw for the sculpture park. “In so many ways, it’s kind of an Olympian symbol for us, standing larger than life,” Meijer Gardens President and CEO Charles Burke said. “Massive, monumental works that have stood the test of time and, I think, framed the da Vinci horse, (Akamu’s) work, and gives it a credibility that in and of itself it wouldn’t have. But amongst these giants, it’s created a land of audacity that’s hard to replicate in the country.”
ENLIGHTEN to illuminate Meijer Gardens for second year
ABC 13 online
2025-09-04
“If the first year is any indication, ENLIGHTEN promises to deliver another unforgettable season that continues to elevate Grand Rapids,” said Charles Burke, President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. “With 80,000 tickets sold in our first year and 39 percent of attendees from outside of Kent County, ENLIGHTEN is considered a must-see event during the holidays.”
Frederik Meijer Gardens welcomes 16 millionth visitor
WWMT News Channel 3 online
2025-07-08
Joined by Charles Burke, President & CEO of the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Smith received a gift basket, along with free admission for the day.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Brings International Art to Michigan
WJR 760 AM radio
2025-07-02
“We’re constantly adding to our collection and expanding our scope of the park, both big and small,” CEO of Frederik Gardens & Sculpture Park Charles Burke told Marie Osborne on “Michigan Voices.” “It’s a lovely way of experiencing art, culture, and nature all mashed together.”
Stunning Dale Chihuly Exhibition Coming to Sculpture Garden in Michigan
My Modern Met online
2025-06-10
“We are delighted to welcome Dale Chihuly back to Meijer Gardens,” says Charles Burke, president & CEO at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. “His groundbreaking art creates unforgettable connections between nature, culture, and human creativity. Guests will be captivated by the dynamic interplay between Chihuly's spectacular art and our gardens' natural beauty.”
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, Old Heart, Hackley Public Library, Focus on Ferals, and The Purposeful Warrior
The Shelley Irwin Show Podcast online
2025-05-30
The Roving mic takes you to The Meijer Gardens. We talk to President/CEO Charles Burke about how best to see the gardens, the summer series, the newest upcoming exhibit plus summer entertainment.
Up Close with Charles Burke "Maestro CEO" and President of Frederik Meijer Gardens
West Michigan Weekend (A Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio) online
2025-04-20
In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Charles Burke, the President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
Charles joined us on the program to discuss his unique and inspired journey to his current position as President and CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.
Frederik Meijer Gardens marks 30 years as major Michigan cultural destination
MLive/Grand Rapids Press online
2025-04-20
Meijer Gardens President and CEO Charles Burke shares a similar sentiment. He sees the destination spot as a wonderful gift to the Grand Rapids area.
[...]
“That’s the kind of magic about Meijer Gardens — it’s not one thing, it’s many different things to many different people,” Burke said. “You can find your own pathway of joy and welcoming in all we do, and that’s something I’m really proud of.”
West Michigan sculpture park named best in America for the third time
Holland Sentinel online
2025-02-27
"Winning this award for the third year in a row is an extraordinary honor and a testament to the unwavering passion of our volunteers, members, guests, donors and staff," Meijer Gardens President and CEO Charles Burke wrote in a news release.
Meijer Gardens announces new president, CEO
MLive online
2023-01-17
“I am honored to be selected as the next President & CEO of such a world-renowned and beloved cultural institution,” Burke said in a statement. “I am eager to work with the talented team at Meijer Gardens, as together we continue to provide world-class experiences and advance the mission of the organization.”
Event Appearances
Leadership Grand Rapids 2026 Arts Panel
Grand Rapids Chamber
2026-04-16
Leadership Grand Rapids 2025 Arts Panel
Grand Rapids Chamber Grand Rapids, MI
2025-04-17
Sample Talks
Leadership Lesson Breakfast – “Stepping onto the Stage – Fear, Courage and Vision”
Charles discussed three seminal moments that have defined his life – from the stage, the boardroom and the gardens.
Style
Availability
- Keynote
- Moderator
- Panelist
- Host/MC
Articles
Spring 2025, Letter to Members
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park2025
It’s sometimes difficult to find the right theme or tone for opportunities to speak with you —especially as we mark such a significant occasion as our 30th anniversary.
Summer 2025, Letter to Members
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park2025
Celebrating 30 years and looking ahead, we remain deeply rooted in our DNA. Inspired by Fred and Lena Meijer’s fearless innovation, we approach everything we do through the lens of our guiding ideals: cultivating joy, striving for world-class excellence, and welcoming all.
Autumn 2025, Letter to Members
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park2025
“We live in one world …. We breathe the same air .… We love and we hurt together .… A little better because of this park ...” These are the words of Fred Meijer. These are the words Fred spoke to open the park in 1995. These are the words that echoed throughout the decades—the words that played to close our celebration of the first 30 years of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. These are the words that frame the next 30 years of this beloved cultural destination.
