Jimmy Ray Burke, Ph.D.

Board Vice Chairman

Rev. Dr. Jimmy Ray Burke currently serves as Senior Pastor of “The Shepherd’s House” A Community Outreach Ministry, founded in April of 2000.

Dr. Burke served as an Ordained Deacon, Secretary of the Trustee Board, Sunday School Teacher and Licensed Minister at Zion Hope Missionary Baptist Church over a period of 12 years. From there, he founded the Shepherd’s House Ministries, a home-based program. Dr. Burke was pastor at Pratt Memorial Church for a year before moving to St. Matthews MBC.

Dr. Jimmy Ray Burke was Ordained as Associate Pastor of St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church, responsible for Outreach Ministry, Superintendent of Sunday School and Director of the Christian Education Department.

A native of Tallahassee, Florida, Dr. Burke worked many years with the Miami Police Department, where he retired as Chief of Police after 26 years. His career in law enforcement also includes such positions as Assistant Police Chief for the City of West Palm Beach; Police Chief for the City of Opa-Locka and Interim Chief for Florida City immediately following Hurricane Andrew.

Dr. Burke also served two separate terms as Commissioner on the prestigious Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission for the State of Florida. As a Sergeant serving the City of Miami Police Department, he was appointed by then Governor Bob Graham to represent the Labor position on the Commission. He was later reappointed to the Commission by the late Governor Lawton Chiles for the southern region of Florida.

Dr. Burke has earned an associate degree at Miami-Dade College in Sociology; a bachelor’s degree in Sociology at Florida International University and a master’s degree in Human Resources Management from St. Thomas University.

He has also earned a master’s degree in Ministry, and the Doctorates of Ministry and Theology from the Jacksonville Baptist Theological Seminary; along with obtaining the Ph.D. in Philosophy and Biblical Studies. He is currently professor and president of Alumni for the Seminary, and an ardent supporter.

Dr. Burke managed the Social Development Department at the Miami Job Corps Center, for years, where he continues to mentor students and employees. He serves as president of community relations.

Dr. Burke Currently serves on the Board of Directors of the AGAPE Network and is Vice Chairman of the Executive Board. He is married to Dr. Gail Burke, a retired Dade County Special Education teacher.