Business Professionals of America, Inc. (BPA) is pleased to announce the recent hiring of Mark Burch to the organization’s National Center staff as the Director of Member Services.

In this newly created position, Burch will catalyze local chapters, students, advisors, alumni, business partners, state government and other institutions to promote Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) and the work they do. Additionally, he will work with BPA State Associations, State Departments of Education, local BPA chapters, elected officials and other key stakeholders to develop policy ideas, foster effective leadership and develop communications tools to further promote Career Technical Education, BPA and its student members.

Burch joins the National Center staff bringing a significant degree of skill and experience from the education and corporate worlds as well as a depth of knowledge working with state and federal education initiatives. He has a standing service within Career & Technical Education where he has held positions with the Oklahoma Department of Career & Technology Education, as a business teacher and the State Association Advisor for Business Professionals of America as well as another CTSO. Burch also served on the National BPA Board of Trustees for two years from 2017-2019 where he most recently held the position of Treasurer. He has been recognized by state and national organizations for his achievements. In 2017 he received the Career Tech Award of Excellence for going above and beyond to serve all stakeholders, and most recently, he was recognized by Oklahoma BPA with the Lifetime Achievement Award during their State Leadership Conference in March 2019.

“Mark has demonstrated an impressive strategy for the growth of the BPA network while nurturing a deep rooted commitment for helping prepare students for college and career,” said Executive Director Dr. LouAnn Ross. “These are precisely the qualities our organization needs in this newly created position in order to further develop and empower the rising student leaders of our organization while continuing to create unmatched opportunities in learning, professional growth and service. We are excited to welcome Mark to the National Center staff.”

Burch holds a Career & Technology Business Endorsement from the Oklahoma Department of Education, a Certification in Non-Profit Board Education and is currently completing his Masters in Educational Leadership from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

About Business Professionals of America

BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS OF AMERICA, Inc. (BPA) is the leading Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for students pursuing careers in business management, information technology, office administration, marketing and other related career fields. An intra-curricular national membership organization established in 1966, BPA is dedicated to the preparation of global professionals through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic and technological skills. The organization serves secondary, post-secondary and middle level students and educators by offering programs based on national standards spanning five career pathways: Finance, Business Administration, Management Information Systems, Digital Communication & Design and Management, Marketing & Communication.

For more information, visit: www.bpa.org