Did You Know?
New executive director for Active Trans
On behalf of the entire Active Transportation Alliance Board of Directors, I am so excited to share the news that Ron Burke has accepted our invitation to serve as the organization’s executive director.
Ron comes to Active Trans as an expert in policy development and implementation. He has been at the forefront of sustainable and active transportation for years. He most recently worked as the Midwest Office Director at the Union of Concerned Scientists, where he coordinated and implemented policy in the Midwest on climate and energy, clean energy and sustainable agriculture.
Prior to his work there, Ron served as the Associate Director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, where he worked on the state’s global warming initiative and supervised policy, outreach, community relations, pollution prevention and small business assistance.
Ron earned a master’s degree in Technology and Human Affairs with an emphasis in Environmental Policy from Washington University and carried out his undergraduate studies in life sciences at the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign and Bradley University.
Ron is an avid runner and outdoors enthusiast. He lives in Oak Park with his two daughters and wife, Pamela Brookstein, who has worked 12 years for Active Trans. Pamela will soon take a new job with the Cook County Department of Health.
This is an exciting time for Active Trans and our movement. Polls show residents would prefer to see their money go toward transit rather than highway projects. Drivers are now required to stop for pedestrians. And they now face serious penalties for harassing bicyclists.
Ahead of us lies the work of growing into a major transit advocate and nurturing the relationships we have with current partners and allies. Ron is committed to leading the organization toward new opportunities that bring us safer and more convenient ways to get around.
Please join me in welcoming Ron. He will begin as our Executive Director on Aug. 17.
Jane Healy, Active Trans Board President
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