He began his career in professional hockey on Oct. 18, 1995 with the purchase of the Winnipeg Jets NHL franchise. His stated commitment is to build and maintain a consistent, winning NHL team, one which will provide exciting professional sports entertainment to the residents of the Valley of the Sun.

In addition to bringing NHL hockey to the Valley, Burke is also responsible for building the new Cellular One Ice Den, Arizona's premier family skating and entertainment facility, whichd in the spring of 1998. Considered by many to be the NHL's premier training facility, the 100,000 square-foot rink in north Scottsdale serves as the Coyotes' official training center and corporate headquarters. With two NHL-sized rinks, the Ice Den nearly doubles the amount of ice available to Valley residents. And with the Coyotes using only one sheet of ice for 1-2 hours per day during hockey season, the facility is available for public use approximately 90% of the time. More than just a skating rink, the Ice Den has become a community gathering place, providing a recreation and entertainment alternative for Valley residents looking to escape the desert heat.

Prior to his purchase of the Coyotes, Burke served as chairman and chief executive officer of United HealthCare Corporation (NYSE), a firm he founded in 1974. He also served previously as chief executive officer of two other medical firms, and currently serves as a director of a number of public companies, including United HealthCare.

The 54-year-old Burke was born in Raleigh, N.C., but considers himself a native of Marietta, Ga. He completed his undergraduate and graduate education at Georgia State University and the University of Virginia respectively. Burke and his wife Jude have a home in Paradise Valley. He has five children: Taylor, Ryan, Brendan, Ian and Shannon.