Jim Burke

Jim Burke joined The Everglades Foundation as Vice President of Advancement in July 2026, bringing more than 25 years of experience leading high-performing advancement programs across higher education and nonprofit organizations. A strategic and results-oriented fundraising executive, he has extensive expertise in major and principal gifts, capital campaigns, planned giving, donor stewardship, annual giving, and building and motivating high-performing teams.

Burke most recently served as Executive Director of Advancement at the University of Florida College of Education, where he oversaw all aspects of development strategy, managed complex fundraising initiatives, cultivated major and principal gift portfolios, and served as a member of the University of Florida Foundation’s senior leadership team. In that role, he personally secured more than $100 million in philanthropic support for the university.

Prior to his work at the University of Florida, Burke held senior advancement roles at Millsaps College and Georgia State University, where he successfully led capital campaigns, expanded major gift programs, and strengthened donor engagement strategies. Over the course of his career, he has helped advance ambitious institutional priorities through disciplined fundraising strategy, thoughtful donor engagement, and collaborative team leadership.

Burke joined The Everglades Foundation at a pivotal time as the organization continues to build on significant momentum in support of its mission to restore and protect America’s Everglades. As Vice President of Advancement, he will lead philanthropic strategy and donor engagement efforts designed to support the Foundation’s long-term growth, sustainability, and impact.