HOUSTON (AUGUST 1, 2011) --- The Houston Aeros, the 2011 American Hockey League (AHL) Western Conference Champions and primary affiliate of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Minnesota Wild, today announced that the team has named David Burke as the club’s new President.

Burke, 32, joins the Aeros from the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes, where he served as the Vice President of Ticket Sales and Service since 2007. Last season he oversaw a department that ranked No. 1 in the NHL in ticket revenue increase. In his new role, Burke will oversee the day-to-day business operations of the Aeros front office.

“We’re pleased to welcome David Burke into the Minnesota Wild family,” Wild Chief Operating Office Matt Majka said. “His experience and energy are key assets that will help lead the Aeros off the ice.”

A New York native, Burke lived in Houston from 1987-1995 and attended Klein High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Corporate Communications from the College of Charleston in 2003.

“This is a dream come true for me,” Burke said. “Not only is it a fantastic organization, but getting the opportunity to run the business operations of a team in my hometown is both exciting and challenging.”

Besides the Coyotes, Burke’s background also includes stints with the Dallas Stars (NHL), Texas Motor Speedway, New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets (NBA) and Charlotte Bobcats (NBA).

Burke will officially begin his new post on August 8. The Aeros will host a town hall meeting with Burke for season ticket holders and other fans in late August.

Aeros season tickets can now be selected and purchased online at Aeros.com. Seats may be secured by placing a $100 deposit. Once your order is processed, an Aeros ticket representative will contact you to choose your exact seat location as well as discuss the payment option that best suits your needs.

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Profile: David Burke

Personal info: Married in New Orleans Aug of 2007 to Leslie… Born in New York… Lived in Houston from 1987 to 1995…  Attended Klein High School… Has a dog named NOLA… Enjoys playing golf, grilling and traveling.

Professional History
11/07 – 8/11: Vice President of Ticket Sales and Service, Phoenix Coyotes; Oversaw a department that ranked No. 1 in the NHL in ticket revenue increase, No. 3 in average ticket price increase, and No.1 in the decrease of comp tickets.

6/06 - 11/07: Director of Ticket Sales, Charlotte Bobcats; Ranked No. 1 in season ticket base increase

8/04 - 6/06: Sales Manager, New Orleans/OKC Hornets; Instrumental in the relocation of the NBA franchise in 40 days from New Orleans to OKC after Hurricane Katrina.

1/04 – 7/04: Account Executive, Texas Motor Speedway; 2005 Race to the Chase Project focusing on the second NASACR race the track acquired.

5/03 - 12/03: Account Executive, Dallas Stars; Focused on ticket sales.

9/00 – 4/03: Manager of Campus Recreation, College of Charleston; Charged with growing the student participation rate in campus recreation and oversaw intramural sports.