Jessica Burke

Jessica Burke joined MAD in 2019 with a background in primary and secondary research, project management, and data analysis. Jessica has more than 15 years of research and analysis experience, including a decade in research and client management at marketing solutions company Engine Group. At Engine, she advised clients in the US and globally, in the healthcare, education, nonprofit, technology, industrial, consumer packaged goods, media, and finance sectors.

Prior to joining Engine Group, she held research and communications positions with government and nonprofit organizations, working in areas including demographic and socioeconomic research, economic development, healthcare, and self-sufficiency.

Consulting focus 

Jessica focuses on research and analysis, community engagement, and surveys. She became a consultant because she wanted to use her skills to help improve the lives of Minnesotans.

Client and project highlights 

Since joining MAD, Jessica has worked on projects with the Departments of Transportation, Administration, Commerce, Education, Labor and Industry, Public Safety, and Health, Minnesota Management and Budget, Board of Water and Soil Resources, Office for the Ombuds for Corrections, and Washington County, including the following:  

• Department of Transportation: Conducted interviews with community organizations and coordinated implementation and action planning with district staff around the state to help MnDOT better understand how the transportation system, services, and the decision-making processes help or hinder traditionally underserved or under-represented communities.
• Office of the Ombuds for Corrections: Assessed the supports and resources needed by family members of incarcerated individuals as they navigate the corrections system and identified where programmatic improvements are needed, as well as potential avenues for families to self-advocate.
• Minnesota Management and Budget: Surveyed state employees to gain insights about how employees feel about key aspects of workplace engagement and inclusion. 

Educational background

Jessica has a master’s degree in public policy, with a concentration in public and nonprofit management, from the Humphrey School for Public Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota.