HomeMy WebLinkAboutReports - 2026.05.21 - 42973May 21, 2026
COMMITTEE REPORT TO BOARD
RESOLUTION #2026-6531
Appointment to the Oakland Community Health Network
Sponsored By:
Brendan Johnson, Commissioner
Chair, the Board of Commissioners recommends the following Board action:
appoint Christine Burk, as a General Public member, to the Oakland Community Health Network, to
fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term ending March 31, 2029.
COMMITTEE TRACKING
2026-05-12 Legislative Affairs & Government Operations - Recommend to Board the appointment of
Christine Burk
2026-05-21 Full Board - Appoint
Motioned by: Commissioner Ann Erickson Gault
Seconded by: Commissioner Michael Gingell
Yes: Charles Cavell, Ann Erickson Gault, Michael Gingell, Marcia Gershenson, Robert Hoffman,
Karen Joliat, Penny Luebs, Gwen Markham, William Miller III, Angela Powell, Robert Smiley,
Yolanda Smith Charles, Michael Spisz, Linnie Taylor, Philip Weipert, David Woodward (16)
No: Christine Long, Kristen Nelson (2)
Abstain: None (0)
Absent: Brendan Johnson (1)
ATTACHMENTS
Christine
Burk
PROFESSIONAL SKILLSET
Community Collaboration
Crisis, Verbal & Written Communication
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Facilitation
Event Coordination
Government & Legislative Relations
Graphic Design – Adobe / InDesign
Project Management
Strategic Planning
Social Media & Website Content
Team Leadership & Development
EDUCATION
Master of Arts in Communications
Liberty University
Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Arts
Central Michigan University
Major: Broadcast Journalism
Minor: Journalism
MEMBERSHIPS / WORKGROUPS
Community Mental Health Association of
Michigan Public Relations Workgroup
Oakland County Opioid Prevention
Task Force
Oakland County Suicide Prevention
Task Force
Public Relations Society of America
Oakland Community Health Network (2012 – Present) Chief
of Staff
•Collaborate with CEO on internal and external messaging about public
mental health services.
•Serve on OCHN’s executive leadership team.
•Develop strategic communication plan.
•Coordinate special events, including conferences, community forums,
and training workshops.
•Cultivate relationships with network service providers.
•Write press releases, corporate brochures, newsletters, and print
advertisements.
•Manage and develop copy content for social media accounts.
•Design and oversee website layout and content.
•Serve as media liaison.
•Facilitate outreach initiatives to create awareness about OCHN’s
intellectual - developmental disability, mental health, and substance
use disorder services.
Easterseals Michigan (2010 – 2012)
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
•Wrote press releases, corporate brochures, newsletters, and print
advertisements.
•Served as organization liaison to media.
•Scheduled and coordinated outreach initiatives.
Beacon Financial, Inc. ( 1994 – 2010)
Public Relations Director
•Wrote press releases, corporate brochures, and print advertisements.
•Supervised corporate community relations and fundraising efforts.
•Oversaw bookkeeping, as well as all billing and budget procedures
using QuickBooks.
Lighthouse of Oakland County ( 2006 – 2007) Public
Relations Officer
•Organized the release of internal and external communications.
•Coordinated broadcast and print interviews.
•Wrote and designed monthly newsletters, annual reports, and
solicitation letters.
•Assisted with all special event/fundraising efforts.
Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc. ( 1987 – 1994)
Community Relations Supervisor (1991 – 1994)
•Oversaw the distribution of monetary and in-kind contributions
nationally and locally.
•Coordinated special events, corporate functions, and fundraising
efforts for Easterseals Michigan, Muscular Dystrophy Association, and
Michigan Special Olympics.
Media Relations Specialist ( 1989 – 1991)
•Served as local spokesperson.
•Wrote press releases.
•Planned special events on national and local levels.
•Directed the production of all corporate publications.
Publications Coordinator ( 1987 – 1989)
Oakland Community Health Network Board Application
Submitted on: 2026
Please Provide Information for your Home/Legal Residence
First Name
Christine
Last Name
Burk
Address Line 1:
Address Line 2:
City/Village/Township
ZIP Code
Primary Phone
Type
Email Address
How long have you been a resident of Oakland County?
35 years
Are you an employee or independent contractor in a non-policy-making position with an
agency under contract with the Oakland Community Health Network?
Yes
Please Explain
I currently have a 10-hour a week contract with CARE of Southeastern Michigan. The
work is specific to assisting the agency with community awareness, including social
media posts, newsletters, and press releases. I am willing to discontinue this contract
if it interferes with the OCHN Board position.
Identify The Position You Are Seeking:
General Public
Are You Applying For Reappointment?
No
Explain Why You Would Like To Serve On The Oakland Community Health Network:
My desire to serve on Oakland Community Health Network's (OCHN) is anchored in a
long-term committed to prioritize and protect critical behavioral health services for
Oakland County resident in need. As a recent retiree, it is my personal ambition to use
my professional experiences to support local organizations that help people living
with intellectual or physical disabilities, mental health challenges, and substance use
disorders live successful and happy lives. OCHN absolutely meets this criteria.
Have You Previously Served On A Board/Committee/Commission?
No
Please Detail Any Prior Work-Related or Community Service Experience and Skills That
May Contribute To the Position You Are Seeking:
Local human services agencies that I have worked for in the past include OCHN,
Easterseals Michigan, and Lighthouse of Oakland County.
Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, or were you dishonorably
discharged from the military? Convictions or dishonorable discharge will not be an
automatic bar to appointment. All circumstances will be considered.
No
Have you ever been named a party in one or more civil lawsuits?
No
Education
High School Name or GED
Eastpointe
City/State
Eastpoint / MI
College/Technical
CMU, OU, Liberty University
City/State
Degree(s) received
Bachelor's in Applied Arts / Masters in Crisis Communication
Employment
Employer
Oakland Community Health Network
Address
, MI
Position Title
Chief of Staff
Dates of Employment
2012 - 2025
Duties
Collaborate with CEO on internal and external messaging about public
mental health services. Serve on OCHN’s executive leadership team.
Develop strategic communication plan. Coordinate special events,
including conferences, community forums, and training workshops.
Cultivate relationships with network service providers. Write press
releases, corporate brochures, newsletters, and print advertisements.
Manage and develop copy content for social media accounts. Design and
oversee website layout and content. Serve as media liaison.
Facilitate outreach initiatives to create awareness about OCHN’s
intellectual - developmental disability, mental health, and substance use
disorder services
References
Contact #1
Christina Nicholas / Former SUD Director for OCHN /
Contact #2
Shannon Smith / Lighthouse of Oakland County /
Contact #3
Mary Humes / Oakland County Resident / App licant's
Signature
Christine Burk