E. Hunt Burke, a native of Alexandria, is a fifth generation member of his family to operate Burke & Herbert Bank (B&H). Since June 2009, Hunt has served as Chief Executive Officer of the bank.

Originally, banking wasn’t part of Hunt’s plans. Hunt wanted to work at the bank long enough to make some money to meet his brother who was living in California, but he said that he never made enough money to make the trip to the West Coast. Hunt got his start in the banking world at the age of 13 when he assisted in processing paper checks, which was done by hand in those days, and he assisted with other tasks. Hunt has been a full time staff member at the B&H for over 30 years.

Burke & Herbert Bank’s high level of customer service sets it apart from other banks. Customers can walk into the bank and most are known by their name. Hunt said one of the most enjoyable things about working at the bank is his interactions with clients. ”Our customers put a great deal of trust in us, and we take that responsibility very seriously.”

Hunt said that he has been at events and has been asked to comment on the level of “customer service” that the bank provides, but before he can even explain, Burke & Herbert Bank customers will rise to his aid and cite incidents when they have been aided by the bank in times of need. Hunt said that the bank has “built a lot of capital over the years, dollar capital and also good will.” The customer is always first at Burke & Herbert Bank, but the bank is not pushy. “We’re not an in your face bank,” Hunt commented.

Hunt remarked that, in addition to the level of customer service, Burke & Herbert Bank is distinctive because of its safety and longevity. In terms of safety, Hunt remarked that sometimes they have had to tell their clients “no” on certain financial decisions in order to protect them. As evidence of how customers feel about the bank, B&H is flourishing, even in these fiscally tough times. The bank has just signed leases for its 21st and 22nd branches, which will be located in McLean and Centreville.

If serving as CEO at Burke & Herbert bank wasn’t enough, Hunt is very active in the Alexandria community. He is on the board of the Campagna Center and Friends of Carlyle House. Previously, he served on the board of the Alexandria Red Cross, which has a personal connection for him. He said that his great-great grandmother started the Alexandria Red Cross in 1914 and Hunt said that, “They felt that they needed a Burke on the board.” At one point, Hunt served on nine different boards. He has just joined the board of Alexandria INOVA Hospital.

Out of all of his work in the community, I wanted to inquire how Hunt became involved with Five Guys Burgers & Fries, where he serves on the Board of Directors. I wondered if he was able to eat for free! Unfortunately, that answer was no. He said that he is friends with the Murrell family that started the business, and asked them if they wanted a banker on the board. He said that he finds the way that Five Guys is operated is similar to how Burke & Herbert is operated—very family oriented with a deep loyalty to customers. He said that he really has had fun watching this business take off.

Hunt is a very busy man at home as well. He has four daughters aged 18 to 23. His oldest just moved to California after graduating from college. All of his daughters, at some point, have worked in the bank. One of his daughters is a finance major in college. Hunt said that he has been able to travel to some unique places because his daughters have traveled there, such as Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. He has even bungee jumped and ski dived. What banker does that!

As I looked around his office, I noticed several large bird statues. I thought that this was a clue to a hobby. Hunt said the statues are of parrots. The parrot is the logo for the bank. Hunt said that his father kept a parrot in his office. His younger sister keeps the family parrot. I did learn a little known fact –parrots can live to be 80 years old.

Hunt commented, “Bankers can help people’s hopes and dreams come true.” Burke& Herbert has been voted one of the best places to work in Washington. It looks like this mantra is practiced every day in this community bank.

As we concluded our chat, Hunt noted, “I would be remiss if I didn’t say that my wonderful wife, Molly, has made it possible for me to spend as much time as I do at the bank. She is the backbone of our family.” For Hunt Burke, loyalty starts at home and flows into his work at the bank and into the community. Northern Virginia is lucky to have the Burke family as part of the fabric and history of Alexandria.

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