Behind the Shield: Amy Burke, Media Relations Director
Amy Burke is the Media Relations Director at The Salvation Army of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (the Divisional Headquarters) in Wauwatosa. She has worked for the organization for a little over a year. In her job, she is the primary media contact for The Salvation Army in Milwaukee County and Division-wide. She writes and distributes press releases, works with the media to organize coverage, works with all the Corps in the Division to update and expand web site content, and manage all of our social media platforms. Learn more about Amy below:
Q. How did you first learn about Salvation Army?
A. My first memory of The Salvation Army is hearing the bell ringers outside the grocery store every Christmas. They always had a smile on their face and wished me Merry Christmas. Before working here, I volunteered at The Salvation Army as a bell ringer and helped prepare a Thanksgiving meal for members of the community.
Q. What is your favorite part about working at Salvation Army?
A. I love working at a place that makes a difference in my community. There have been a couple instances when I have worn my Salvation Army shirt in public and have had multiple people come up to me, thanking me, because The Salvation Army helped them when they were a kid. Then they go on to explain their story and why we made such a difference in their lives.
Q. What has been your favorite experience at Salvation Army?
A. My favorite experience was when I was deployed to Chetek, Wisconsin. In May 2017, an EF-3 tornado leveled a mobile home park and destroyed lot of the city. I was sent to take photos, get stories from the survivors and assist with passing out food and water to the victims. I met several people there who were so kind and willing to share their stories. You can read two of them here: "I Always Wanted to be Part of Something Special" Chetek Tornado Survivor Recalls Moments after Tornado Hit and Chetek tornado survivor: 'With anything bad that happens, something good will come out of it'.
Q. What is one thing you believe the world should know about Salvation Army?
A. We work hard every day to assist those in need. I am motivated by the success stories and people overcoming their obstacles.
Q. What are 3 words you would use to describe Salvation Army?
A. Supportive. Giving. Selfless.
Q. What is your favorite project to work on?
A. Everything that takes places during the Christmas season. It is the busiest time, but the most rewarding. This year, I sent out at least 30 press releases in November and December. We really did have that many events taking place!
Q. Is there anything you’d like to add?
A. I feel so lucky to work at a place where I can combine my love for writing, social media and news, while helping people in the community.
Join us every Wednesday to learn more about our organization, officers, board members, employees and volunteers. If you know of any notable volunteers that you believe would want to share their story please contact us here.