Christopher T. Burke

Christopher T. Burke, Executive Director, NYSPSP

Christopher T. Burke is executive director of the New York State Preferred Source Program For New Yorkers Who Are Blind (NYSPSP). NYSPSP is a state-mandated initiative that creates and sustains employment by directing state and local government agencies in New York to purchase pre-approved products and services produced by affiliated nonprofit agencies in the state that employ people who are blind or visually impaired to help them build rewarding careers.

As executive director, Burke provides leadership, management, and direction to NYSPSP, and works closely with NYSPSP affiliated agencies, state and municipal government customers, commercial partners, and other key stakeholders to create and sustain employment opportunities.

Burke has more than 20 years of nonprofit management experience in several leadership positions. He joined NYSPSP from Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany (NABA), where he was executive director and chief executive officer responsible for overall agency management, leadership, and vision, as well as the day-to-day operations of the Northeastern Association of the Blind Foundation. In addition, Burke served as a member of the board of directors of National Industries for the Blind, organizational board chair of the Blind Employment Network of New York, and a member of the Disability Advisory Committee of the Capital District Transportation Authority, New York State Vision Rehabilitation Association, and the Albany and Troy Lions Club.

Burke holds a master’s degree in public policy and a master’s degree in business and policy studies with a concentration in nonprofit commercialization. His areas of expertise include organizational management, business development, and social entrepreneurism.