OKEMOS, Mich. —Karen Burgess, MBA, CAE, has been named CEO/executive director of the 5,000-member Michigan Dental Association.

Burgess, a Chicago-native, joins the MDA after 17 years with the American Dental Association where she most recently served as senior director, membership marketing and member services. Prior to that she served two years as the education director of the Society for Healthcare Planning and Marketing at the American Hospital Association.

“We’re pleased to welcome Karen to the MDA and look forward to her joining the team,” said MDA President Dr. Norm Palm. “Karen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the MDA and will be an asset to the organization.”

Burgess succeeds Drew Eason, who left the MDA in June to become the executive director of the Florida Dental Association.