Quick Facts About Jennifer Burke
- Full Name: Jennifer Burke (née Lo)
- Date of Birth: June 14, 1967 (Age 58)
- Birthplace: Somerville, New Jersey
- Occupation: Television Journalist
- Known For: Wife of NHL Executive Brian Burke
Jennifer Burke is a Gemini Award-winning Canadian television journalist who’s spent more than two decades in front of the camera and behind the microphone. Born Jennifer Lo on June 14, 1967, in Somerville, New Jersey, she’s built a respected career in Canadian broadcasting while also drawing public attention as the wife of high-profile NHL executive Brian Burke.
From local radio in Vancouver to national news anchoring in Toronto, Burke’s career has covered a wide range of media formats. She’s also known for her charitable work, having helped raise millions of dollars for children’s causes over the years.
Early Life and Education
Jennifer Lo grew up in Somerville, New Jersey, a small borough in Somerset County. She showed an early interest in storytelling and current events, which led her to pursue journalism as a career.
She enrolled at SUNY Brockport (the State University of New York at Brockport) in western New York, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism. During her time at SUNY Brockport, she gained practical experience by interning and freelancing for the Catholic Courier, a diocesan newspaper based in Rochester, New York. That early hands-on work gave her a solid grounding in reporting, interviewing, and deadline-driven writing before she made the move to Canada.
Journalism Career
Burke launched her professional career in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she worked in both radio and television. She served as a reporter and news anchor at CKNW 980 AM, one of Vancouver’s most established talk radio stations, and also worked at CFMI-FM (Rock 101), where she took on roles as a news anchor, producer, and scriptwriter.
On the television side, Burke held positions at CHAN-TV (now Global BC) and CKVU-TV in Vancouver. She hosted Living Vancouver, a lifestyle and discussion program for CBC, which earned her a Gemini Award in 2007 for her on-screen work. She also received a Leo Award, recognizing her contributions to British Columbia’s film and television industry.
Her biggest national platform came when she was hired as a news anchor for CTV News Channel in Toronto. In that role, she delivered national news coverage to viewers across Canada. She also hosted her own radio call-in show, The Jennifer Mather Show, on CKNW, where she discussed current events and community issues with listeners under her then-married name, Jennifer Mather.
Throughout her broadcasting career, Burke earned a reputation for clear, straightforward reporting and an ability to connect with audiences across different formats — radio, television, and print.
Marriage to Brian Burke
Jennifer Burke is married to Brian Burke, one of the most recognizable executives in professional hockey. The couple’s relationship brought her into the public eye beyond her journalism career, as Burke (Brian) has been a prominent and sometimes polarizing figure in the NHL for decades.
Jennifer and Brian have two daughters together, Mairin and Fiona. Jennifer was previously married (using the name Jennifer Mather during her earlier career), and Brian Burke also had children from a prior marriage, including his late son Brendan Burke, who passed away in a car accident in 2010.
The Burke family has been active in various charitable causes. Jennifer herself has helped raise more than $2.5 million for children’s charities over the course of her career and public life. She was also appointed Co-Chair of the Orcas in the City initiative for the Lions Society, reflecting her commitment to community service in British Columbia.
Who Is Brian Burke?
Brian Burke, born June 30, 1955, in Providence, Rhode Island, is a longtime NHL executive whose career has spanned front offices across the league. He earned a law degree from Harvard Law School before transitioning into hockey management.
Here’s a quick look at Brian Burke’s NHL career:
- 1987-1993: Various roles with the NHL head office, including Director of Hockey Operations
- 1992-1998: General Manager of the Hartford Whalers (later Carolina Hurricanes)
- 1998-2004: President and General Manager of the Vancouver Canucks
- 2005-2008: General Manager of the Anaheim Ducks, winning the 2007 Stanley Cup
- 2008-2013: President and General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs
- 2013-2014: President of Hockey Operations for the Calgary Flames
- 2014-present: Senior advisor and various front-office roles with the Pittsburgh Penguins
Brian Burke is also known for his advocacy work. After his son Brendan came out publicly in 2009 — one of the first people connected to professional hockey to do so — Brian became an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ+ rights in sports. He’s marched in multiple Pride parades across Canada and has been recognized by several organizations for his advocacy.
Personal Life
Jennifer Burke has maintained a relatively private personal life despite her career in broadcasting and her marriage to a public figure. She and Brian split their time between homes in different cities, depending on Brian’s current NHL role.
Beyond her journalism career, Jennifer has focused on philanthropy and community involvement. Her fundraising efforts for children’s charities have been a consistent part of her public identity, and her role with the Lions Society underscores her ties to the Vancouver community where she spent much of her career.
She’s also known by several names throughout her public life — born Jennifer Lo, she used the name Jennifer Mather during her first marriage, and is now known publicly as Jennifer Burke.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jennifer Burke married to?
Jennifer Burke is married to Brian Burke, a prominent NHL executive who has served as general manager and president of hockey operations for several teams, including the Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs.
What did Jennifer Burke do before marriage?
Before gaining public attention through her marriage to Brian Burke, Jennifer had an established career in Canadian journalism. She worked as a television and radio journalist in Vancouver and Toronto, winning a Gemini Award in 2007 for her work on Living Vancouver on CBC.
Does Jennifer Burke have children?
Yes. Jennifer and Brian Burke have two daughters together, Mairin and Fiona.
Where was Jennifer Burke born?
Jennifer Burke (née Lo) was born on June 14, 1967, in Somerville, New Jersey, though she spent the bulk of her career in Canada.
