At a Glance
I have a copy of the The Lord of the Rings by
J. R. R. Tolkien. I actually reread that story quite often.
What movie do you recommend to everyone?
I recently saw Green Book and thought it was well acted and well written. Of course, I am a big Marvel fan and have seen all the movies. I was a comic book fan as a kid and like how they have recreated the look and feel of the old printed comics.
What’s the first thing you do after work?
I have a pretty long day and like to spend it with my wife as much as I can to keep some work/life balance.
If you couldn’t live in Alaska, where would you live?
I like Hawaii, but my wife does not like living on an island (even though Alaska is one). I guess Eastern Washington would be a second choice given its four distinct seasons.
If you could domesticate a wild animal what animal would it be?
Probably kind of dangerous, but I have always liked lynx.
At a Glance
I have a copy of the The Lord of the Rings by
J. R. R. Tolkien. I actually reread that story quite often.
What movie do you recommend to everyone?
I recently saw Green Book and thought it was well acted and well written. Of course, I am a big Marvel fan and have seen all the movies. I was a comic book fan as a kid and like how they have recreated the look and feel of the old printed comics.
What’s the first thing you do after work?
I have a pretty long day and like to spend it with my wife as much as I can to keep some work/life balance.
If you couldn’t live in Alaska, where would you live?
I like Hawaii, but my wife does not like living on an island (even though Alaska is one). I guess Eastern Washington would be a second choice given its four distinct seasons.
If you could domesticate a wild animal what animal would it be?
Probably kind of dangerous, but I have always liked lynx.
Off the Cuff
ichael Burke was named the CEO at MTA in September 2015 and brings with him more than thirty-five years of experience with telecommunications and technology matters. He has worked in senior management for a diverse number of companies, including the Anchorage Telephone Utility, TelAlaska, and Alaska Fiber Star/WCI Cable. In addition, prior to MTA, Burke ran his own management/utility consulting company for fourteen years, where he worked on a number of regulatory and strategic projects and also served as an expert witness before regulatory agencies in Alaska, California, and Hawaii. Burke has a BA in accounting from Seattle University and is a CPA in the State of Alaska. [Editor’s Note: Sending a Hulk-sized thank you to BOSCO’s for supporting our super-secret mission to capture Michael Burke’s image at your command center.]
Alaska Business: What do you do in your free time?
Michael Burke: I enjoy fishing and hiking, just enjoying the Alaska outdoors. Snorkeling in Hawaii in the winter is also fun.
AB: Is there a skill or talent you’ve always wanted to learn or are learning?
Burke: I wish I could paint or draw better. It has fascinated me how people can put an image down on canvas.
AB: What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
Burke: Walked five feet in front of a brown bear while out fishing in rural Alaska.
AB: What’s your go to comfort food?
Burke: Mac and cheese.
AB: Other than your current career, if you were a kid today, what would your dream job be?
Burke: I have always loved the sciences and wanted at one time to be a marine biologist.
AB: What is your favorite way to get exercise?
Burke: Hiking or walking in the outdoors.
AB: Dead or alive, who would you like to see perform live in concert?
Burke: The Eagles.
AB: What is your greatest extravagance?
Burke: I am pretty simple and drive a car that is fourteen years old, so buying a new vehicle.
AB: What’s your best and worst attribute?
Burke: I would say my best attribute is my patience. My worst might be trying to take on too many things at once. 
Images © Kerry Tasker