In Memory of Betty Burke

[Edward McNair <emcnair () nanog org>]

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Betty Joe Burke, NANOG's founding Executive Director (2011-2018). We mourn 
the loss of a mother, grandmother, friend, and an invaluable member of our NANOG Community. Betty left an indelible 
mark on all who knew her. 

During her decades of devotion to NANOG, Betty served as a leader, mentor, and advocate for our Community. Her 
determination and enthusiasm helped shape NANOG from its inception. She worked tirelessly to help build a thriving 
community dedicated to "working together for the Internet of tomorrow.” 

Her impact on our community began through her work at the University of Michigan and later through Merit Networks. Her 
impact on the Internet community started with managing a consortium of engineering professionals working to re-engineer 
and operate the first national high-speed internet backbone (NSFNET).

She also oversaw building the State of Michigan's most prominent technology center. She coordinated IT conferences 
composed of an international membership community working to invent the Internet of tomorrow. After 36 years of 
service, Betty retired from the University of Michigan in 2010. The board then selected her to guide the newly 
independent NANOG organization in 2011, where she served as NANOG’s Executive Director until 2018.

Her three children will greatly mourn her passing: daughter Jodie (David) Danko, son Todd (Arika) Burke, and daughter 
Julie (Jason) Brainer, as well as her grandchildren Allison and Danielle Danko, Gage and Jordyn Thrall, and J. Austin 
and Andrew Brainer. Betty is survived by two siblings, supportive extended family, friends, and an eternally grateful 
NANOG Community.

For those interested in attending the Celebration of Betty's life, details can be found on the family's memorial 
tribute. Our Community Memorial can be accessed by anyone with a free account on NANOG's website.


Additional text for the email message

NANOG is creating a video to be played during the Celebration of Life on November 20, 2022. Since NANOG is a community 
of voices, we ask you to share photos and/or a brief (30 seconds maximum) audio clip that recalls your favorite memory. 
If you have multiple memories you would like to share; please create additional clips.  You may send your contributions 
to memoriam () nanog org


Edward McNair
Executive Director