Deputy Superintendent on board

David Burke, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and 32-year military veteran, is the new deputy superintendent for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. He began the role on Earth Day, April 22, 2024. “Captain Burke is skilled at managing complexity and risk, with wide-ranging experience overseeing programs, finances and human resources,” said sanctuary superintendent Sarah Fangman. “These are the exact skills required for a deputy superintendent’s role, and the fact he is already in the Keys and familiar with the landscape, makes him perfectly suited. We feel lucky to have him.”

Burke came to Key West in 2020 and served as Chief of Staff for Joint Interagency Task Force South, known as JIATFS, home to more than 500 personnel from all branches of the military, Federal agencies, civilians, contractors, and senior officers from more than 20 partner nations. He began his Naval career as a helicopter pilot before transitioning into management roles, including Chief of Staff of Carrier Strike Group Twelve.

“The Marine Sanctuary has a very different mission than the one at JIATFS, but it relies on similar skill sets,” Burke said, “seamless integration of a complex organization and excellence in execution, balanced with uncompromising stewardship. There will always be more work than resources, so in order to get the job done we have to be super creative managing assets and relationships.”

In addition to his undergraduate degree from the Naval Academy, Burke has earned master’s degrees from the University of San Diego and National Defense University. He is a member of the local chapter of Navy League and the 2025 president-elect of the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club.

“When driving down to Key West in 2020, looking out from the Overseas Highway with all the different colors of blue in the water, I immediately recognized the uniqueness of this world-renowned natural environment.  Shortly after arrival, my wife looked at me and said ‘I don’t ever want to leave.’ We were fortunate to find a home in town, and following my Navy retirement, I’ve been actively engaged in this vibrant community. The Sanctuary feels like a perfect fit!”

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary was designated in 1990 and protects 3,800 square miles of waters surrounding the Florida Keys. The sanctuary is administered by NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and is jointly managed with the state of Florida.

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