Speaker: Christopher K. Burke – Naval Academy Class of 1985, U.S. Navy veteran, energy executive, and dual JD/MBA graduate from the University of Virginia.
Background and Military Transition
- Naval Service (1985–1993): Served as a surface nuclear officer on the USS Arkansas; spent 18 months in a shipyard overhaul—physically and mentally draining work.
- Pentagon Internship: After sea duty, transferred to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (J-8) and later Crystal City; used this period to prepare for civilian life.
- Transition Decision: Exhaustion from operational tempo and desire to explore law/business led to his decision to separate.
Education Path
- UVA Dual Degree: Initially pursued law school with intent to go into intellectual property law. Discovered a deeper interest in business and added an MBA, extending his time in school but broadening career options.
Civilian Career Journey
- Management Consulting: Joined A.T. Kearney, gaining exposure across industries (e.g., pharmaceuticals, energy, CPG).
- Startup Experience: Transitioned to a tech startup during the dot-com boom—gained insight into business planning, sales, and execution.
- Energy Industry: Entered the electric utility sector as a plant manager; leveraged his Navy nuclear background and transitioned into multiple leadership roles in operations, construction, and regulatory affairs.
- Current Role: Advising a private equity group building a biomass-to-renewable-fiber manufacturing facility in Texas—integrating energy, sustainability, and innovation.
Core Lessons from Christopher K. Burke
- Guard Time & Health: These are finite and critical for longevity and impact.
- Mentorship Matters: Don’t navigate transitions alone. Seek mentors deliberately.
- Take Advantage of Resources: Use VA benefits, educational opportunities, and networking to prepare.
- Prepare Early: Take classes before separating—e.g., accounting, business basics.
- Interests Evolve: Your passions may shift. Stay curious and open to new paths.
- Be Mindful: Embrace reflection and self-awareness—important for aligning purpose and energy.
- Culture is Key: Civilian workplaces lack military structure—learn to build or shape culture.
- Be an Autodidact: Lifelong learning is essential. Teach yourself, then use mentors as guides.
Discussion Highlights
- On Social Media and Mindfulness: Participants discussed the tension between staying digitally visible and preserving deep focus and creativity.
- On Networking: Emphasis was placed on keeping professional relationships “fresh” and using informal networks to access opportunities.
- On DEI & Industry Entry Points: Burke confirmed the presence of DEI roles in the energy industry and emphasized that technical degrees are helpful but not essential—business, regulatory, and legal roles are also accessible.
Closing Thoughts
Christopher K. Burke’s story resonated across generations. Whether entering or exiting a career, his message underscored intentionality, mentorship, and curiosity as the foundations of meaningful transition. He remains committed to giving back through mentorship and supporting NNOA’s mission.