American Psychiatric Foundation Names New Director

The American Psychiatric Foundation (APF) has announced the appointment of Paul Burke as the foundation's new executive director. Burke brings many years of distinguished experience in the nonprofit sector to APF. Most recently, he served as the president and CEO of CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation, and previous to that he was the national director of marketing and communications for the disability organization United Cerebral Palsy.

Under Burke's leadership, CureSearch completely rebranded itself and created a National Advertising Council campaign to increase public awareness of childhood cancer. Largely as a result of Burke's leadership, CureSearch received the leading international honor for Web sites, the Webby Award of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. He was also the architect and leader of a legislative advocacy network responsible for gaining more than $8 million in supplemental funding for childhood cancer research through congressional appropriations.

During his time with CureSearch, Burke and his team significantly increased private funding for CureSearch through the development of relationships with Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League, the Merrill Lynch Shootout, and Hyundai. In 2006 Burke received the prestigious Golden Halo Award from the Cause Marketing Forum.

Burke has an impressive record in business and government. He was director of Texaco's legislative affairs in alternate energy and served as the first chair of the Renewable Fuels Association.

His public service includes tenure as an assistant administrator in the U.S. Department of Energy, a staff position in the White House Special Action Office for Drug Abuse Prevention, and decorated service in Vietnam as an officer in the U.S. Army. He earned a master's degree in government from George Washington University.

Burke is a member of the National Board of Directors of America's Charities. He is also an adjunct professor of marketing and communications at George Mason University.

“We are fortunate to have someone who has a demonstrated ability to lead and build relationships joining the foundation as we plan for the next steps in our development,” said Altha Stewart, M.D., APF president.“ Burke possesses a clear understanding of the current issues facing the foundation. He also shares the vision of the board and staff to increase awareness and support of the foundation among APA members and other individual donor groups in order to expand our ability to fund public education and outreach grant programs.”

“It is an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to serve as executive director for the American Psychiatric Foundation,” stated Burke. “I look forward to working with the APA leadership and staff to expand and enhance the foundation's important mission.” ▪