EEM Leadership

Bob Burckle is CEO of EEM and also has served on the EEM Board over 20 years. He spent years working as an Electrical Engineer with a Bachelor and Master’s degree from the University of Louisville. While working in the industry, he earned his MBA in Marketing and Finance from the University of North Texas. Bob’s work in small and large technology companies has allowed him to apply best business practices to the operations at EEM. He has traveled extensively in different countries as part of his responsibilities as a missions chairman, deacon, and elder at various churches. He has been married for over 40 years to his wife, Joan. They have two adult daughters, Lauren and Brittany, and two granddaughters, Harper and Madison. Bob is humbled to know that he and his colleagues have been chosen and are privileged to spread God’s Word throughout Eastern Europe.

Dirk Smith joined EEM in 2011 following a successful tenure in advancement and development at his alma mater, Harding University. An accomplished leader with a strong background in business development and strategic growth, he previously served with firms including Jackson & Coker in Dallas, Texas, and T. Williams Consulting, where he worked with clients across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and an MBA with a concentration in Organizational Development and Ethics. A gifted communicator, presenter, and storyteller, Dirk is passionate about sharing how God is transforming lives through the ministry of EEM.

Dirk and his wife and best friend, Julianne, reside in the Nashville area. Together, they are blessed with nine children and six grandchildren.

Bart is a native of Warsaw, Poland, and has been serving with EEM as the Vice-President for European Operations since 2007. He read the Bible for the first time at age 17, while an exchange student with a Christian host family in Oxford, OH. He became a Christian in 1995 and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management in 1997 in Warsaw. During his studies, he worked as a project manager in the budding IT industry in Poland. Through many experiences, God led him to Oklahoma Christian University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degrees in Biblical Studies and Marketing and a Master’s degree in Ministry. During that time he served as the Single Adults Minister at Memorial Road Church of Christ in Edmond, OK, and was involved in short-term mission work in Europe and Central America. Bart is married to Tamika Rybinski, and together, they have three children. Bart enjoys skiing, hiking, traveling, and spending time with his family.