 |
SBT alum lead Dallas Transit System
Burke, an alum who earned his master's degree in procurement and acquisitions management from Webster, has spent a decade with DART, with the responsibility for all bus, paratransit and light rail operations; the maintenance of the support facilities; passenger and employee security; procurement and inventory control and administrative services. Burke also serves as a chief liaison with the DART Board. A U.S. Marine and Air Force veteran, Burke has experience in military procurement and contracts as well. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), he is also responsible for the Maintenance, Paratransit Services, Transportation, Materials Management, and Operations Technology Departments. NotaBene sat down with Burke to learn more. NB: How has your Webster degree helped you strategically position yourself for promotion? VB: My degree was essential for advancement while in the military. Upon graduating, I moved to the highest level of eligibility. NB: What kind of professional networking advice would you give recent graduates just beginning their careers? VB: Work hard and take care of your family, community, and business associates. NB: What suggestions do you have for professional relationship building? VB: Be a community volunteer and reach out to help others in need. NB: Why did you choose Webster? VB: I chose Webster because of the reasonable prices and convenient classes that were designed and scheduled to fit my work schedule. NB: What was one of your most satisfying academic accomplishments? VB: I would have to say that my most satisfying academic accomplishment was to complete my Webster program. The higher elements of graduate studies were provided in a timely, effective classroom environment. NB: Who has been your most important mentor, and why? VB: Jack Evans, former President for Tom Thumb, former Mayor of Dallas, Texas, and Executive Director of Dallas Area Rapid Transit. Jack was my mentor at the beginning of my transit career and stayed with me through my climb up the ladder from Executive Assistant to General Manager of one of the top Regional Transit Agencies in North America. NB: What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing today's graduates and how can they better achieve success? VB: Establish a plan, set your goals high, and don't ever quit! NB: What is the biggest challenge facing the rapid transit industry today? 1) Leadership in choosing proper tools and equipment at a fair and reasonable price |
© Copyright 2007. If you would like to reproduce any content from NotaBene, contact the editor at notabene@webster.edu
