Manassas Council names Steve Burke as new Manassas City Manager

Manassas City Council announced the selection of Steve Burke as the new City Manager during its Nov. 25 Council meeting. Burke was selected following an extensive nationwide search that initially produced 100+ candidates for the top job. Burke will begin his new position on Feb. 3, 2025 at an annual salary of $246,000.

Burke, currently an Assistant City Manager for Operations and the Director of Public Works, returned to the City in January, 2024 after serving as Town Manager of Luray, Va. He previously served as Manassas Public Works Director from 2016 to 2018 and has 30+ years of experience in local government positions in Florida and Virginia.

Since his return to Manassas City government this past January, Burke has led efforts to update the city’s Pavement Management Plan, and to initiate the city’s Utility Cost of Service and Rate Study.

In his role as Town Manager for Luray, he oversaw daily operations, zoning administration, developed and managed the annual operating
budget and capital improvement budget, led community outreach, and coordinated the town’s COVID-19 response.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida, and is a registered Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of Florida. He and his wife Cary live in the City.

“I greatly appreciate the opportunity from the Mayor and the members of City Council to serve the residents of Manassas as the City Manager,” Burke said. “I look forward to working with City Council and the outstanding members of the City staff to continue to make Manassas a wonderful place to live, work, play, and visit.”

The Mayor and City Council worked with Baker Tilly, a public sector executive search firm, to find the next City Manager. No candidate emerged after interviews last fall. During the second round search, 100+ applicants were considered and Burke was among five candidates
presented to Council by Baker Tilly for consideration.

Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger and Council Members thanked Interim City Manager Doug Keen for his service during the last year. Keen assumed the interim role after the departure of former City Manager W. Patrick Pate, who became the City Manager of Winston-Salem, N.C. in November, 2023. Keen will return to his position as Assistant City Manager and Police Chief.

Burke’s Feb.  3 start date will give him the opportunity to ensure a new Water and Sewer Director is in place, begin the search for a new Director of Public Works, and advance capital projects, according to the city’s news release.