Charles Burke is President and Chief Executive Officer of Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park — among the world’s premier art, culture, and horticulture destinations. Since 2023, he’s guided Meijer Gardens to unprecedented success, achieving its highest annual attendance in history and welcoming its 16 millionth visitor. Under his direction, the organization was 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.
Burke 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.