Emilee Danielson Burke Joins Central Office Staff as Director of Programs

The Director of Programs is responsible for developing programming at the regional and national levels, including both in-person and virtual programs, as well as principal leadership of the Leadership Academy and Convention programs.

“Emilee and I have known each other for nearly 20 years, and I could not be more pleased that she’s joining us on a permanent basis,” said Executive Director Jim Gaffney.  “With Emilee joining Jennifer, Sarah, Laura and I, I am proud to have one of the most experienced, capable and creative headquarters in the Fraternal industry.  I am excited for the opportunities made available to us by virtue of the extraordinary people we have on our team.”

Prior to joining the Central Office in October, Danielson Burke spent seven years on the staff of the Theta Xi Fraternity, most recently as Director of Standards and Accountability, and previously as Director of Chapter Services.  She spent the previous 10 years as Associate Dean of Students and Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.  She has published numerous articles in various publications and presented/facilitated in numerous settings, including at the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors Annual Meeting.  As a volunteer, she continues to advise chapters of Delta Zeta Sorority and the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.  Emilee is a 2001 initiate of the Iota Theta chapter of the Delta Zeta Sorority at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania.

“Since she joined us in October, we’ve all come to know, appreciate and respect Emilee,” said Grand Regent Stuart Kardian (Kappa Gamma, 2006).  “Her ingenuity, good humor and willingness to jump in with both feet have made her a tremendous asset to our Fraternity.  I look forward to watching her grow in her role and continue to contribute to our mission.”

The first Central Office was in the home of Laureate Bob Pope (Zeta, 1952), Theta Tau’s first Executive Director in the 1960’s. Pope and various administrative assistants worked out of his home until moving into more substantial rented space.  The staff grew, and the Fraternity professionalized under the leadership of Executive Director Emeritus Michael Abraham (Epsilon Beta 1982) who retired in 2019 after more than 20 years of service.  Under current Executive Director Jim Gaffney, the staff has reached its largest-ever size, with involvement in all areas of Fraternity operations.

ABOUT THETA TAU: The Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity is a co-ed college fraternity for those pursuing degrees in engineering.  Founded at the University of Minnesota in 1904, Theta Tau is proud to be the nation’s largest engineering fraternity, with more than 100 chapters and Candidate Chapters, nearly 5,000 student members and nearly 40,000 total initiates.  Learn more at thetatau.org.