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executive PROFILE

I've spent more than 20 years working across elite sport, global entertainment, technology, and education, with a career that has evolved from directly supporting high-performing individuals to leading teams, programs, and organizational strategy.

My experience includes executive and leadership roles with The Circus Arts Conservatory, Kitman Labs, and Cirque du Soleil. Across these organizations, I've worked with senior leadership, coaches, practitioners, and multidisciplinary teams to build programs, improve operations, navigate change, and create environments where people and organizations can perform at their best.

Much of my work has involved connecting strategy with execution—understanding the challenges an organization is facing, bringing the right people together, and developing practical solutions that can be implemented and sustained.

I bring a combination of executive leadership, operational experience, and a background in human performance that shapes how I approach organizational challenges. I believe strong organizations are built through clear priorities, capable people, shared accountability, and a willingness to continually improve.

SELECTED CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

  • Executive and operational leadership: Lead a multidisciplinary portfolio of youth development, education, performance, and venue operations at The Circus Arts Conservatory, with responsibility for approximately 27 direct reports across coaching, creative, technical, and administrative functions.

  • Enterprise technology and strategic partnerships: At Kitman Labs, advised more than 55 professional and collegiate sport organizations across North America, supporting technology adoption, organizational change, executive partnerships, and long-term account strategy.

  • Global performance systems: At Cirque du Soleil, helped build and lead a multidisciplinary performance science function supporting more than 1,800 artists across 20+ productions worldwide.

  • Leadership across sectors: More than two decades of experience working with executives, coaches, athletes, educators, researchers, and operational teams across professional sport, global entertainment, enterprise technology, and nonprofit education.

Work experience

The Circus Arts Conservatory | Sarasota

Nov 2024Present

Vice President, Program Development & Youth Performance Management

Provide executive leadership across a diverse portfolio of youth development, education, performance, and operational programs, with responsibility for aligning people, resources, and organizational priorities.

  • Lead approximately 27 staff across coaching, creative, technical, administrative, and operational functions.

  • Oversee Sailor Circus Academy, school-based circus education partnerships, recreational programs, camps, performances, community events, and arena operations.

  • Lead program and operating model improvements, including student development pathways, registration and pricing structures, resource planning, and organizational processes.

  • Partner with executive leadership to strengthen planning, accountability, financial stewardship, and coordination across departments.

  • Support the organization's mission of developing young people through circus arts while balancing educational outcomes, operational requirements, and long-term sustainability.

Kitman Labs

Mar 2020July 2024

Senior Performance Strategist

Held progressively expanding responsibilities within a growing enterprise technology company serving professional and collegiate sport organizations. Worked at the intersection of organizational strategy, executive partnerships, technology implementation, and performance operations.

  • Managed a strategic portfolio of more than 55 professional and collegiate sport partnerships across North America.

  • Advised athletic and organizational leaders on technology adoption, performance processes, data-informed decision-making, and organizational change.

  • Led complex enterprise initiatives, including league-wide technology implementations, client migrations, and multi-year partnership development.

  • Worked across product, engineering, data science, and customer-facing teams to translate client needs into practical solutions and platform improvements.

  • Contributed to the company's growth and evolution during a period of significant organizational expansion.

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group

Aug 2007Dec 2019

Head of Performance Science

Spent more than 12 years helping develop and expand the organization's approach to performer preparation, health, and sustainable performance, progressing from direct performer support into multidisciplinary leadership and enterprise program development.

  • Established and expanded performance science services integrating physical preparation, nutrition, mental performance, research, and performance analytics.

  • Developed systems and practices supporting more than 1,800 artists across 20+ productions worldwide.

  • Worked with coaches, medical professionals, creative teams, and operational leaders to improve collaboration and performer support.

  • Built research and industry partnerships that helped advance the organization's approach to performance and innovation.

  • Supported executive discussions and planning related to performer development, organizational capabilities, and evolving production needs.

Saginaw Spirit Hockey Club

Aug 2003Aug 2007

Head Athletic Trainer / Strength & Conditioning Coach

Led athlete health, physical preparation, rehabilitation, and related team operations within a major junior hockey organization.

  • Managed day-to-day sports medicine, strength and conditioning, rehabilitation, and athlete support.

  • Coordinated with coaches, management, medical professionals, and players in a demanding competitive environment.

  • Supported team logistics, travel, and operational responsibilities while maintaining continuity through leadership transitions.

LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

Executive & Organizational Leadership
Strategic planning, organizational development, leadership alignment, governance, and change management.

Operations & Program Management
Multi-program oversight, resource allocation, operational planning, process improvement, and cross-functional execution.

Strategic Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
Executive relationships, enterprise partnerships, business development, stakeholder alignment, and external collaboration.

People & Performance Development
Team leadership, coaching development, performance management, talent development, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Technology & Data-Informed Strategy
Enterprise technology adoption, implementation strategy, analytics, performance measurement, and translating data into decisions.

Communication & Organizational Change
Executive communication, facilitation, public speaking, education, and navigating complex organizational transitions.

Education & EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT

University of Oxford

Aug 2022Feb 2023

Executive Leadership Programme, Said Business School

California University of Pennsylvania

July 2004July 2005

Master of Science

Human Performance & Injury Prevention

Central Michigan University

Aug 1998Dec 2002

Bachelor of Science

Sports Medicine

publications & presentations

Author and presenter on performance science, analytics, and organizational leadership within sport and performance environments

  • Burnstein, B., Allen-Burnstein, B. (2022). Chapter 1: NASM Sports Performance Training – Introduction to the Performance Training Profession. Publisher TBD.
  • Burnstein, B. (November 2019). Enhancing Performance with Data & Technology. Barca Innovation Hub Sports Technology Symposium. Barcelona, Spain.
  • Burnstein, B. & Richard, V. (October 2018). Innovation & Creativity: Managing Changes from Global to Local Perspectives. Leaders in Performance. London, UK
  • Donohue, B., Gavrilova, Y., Galante, M., Burnstein, B., Aubertin, P., Gavrilova, E., Funk, A., Light, A., & Benning, S. D. (2018, October 11). Empirical Development of a Screening Method for Mental, Social, and Physical Wellness in Amateur and Professional Circus Artists. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts. Advance online publication.
  • Barker, L., Mercer, J., Burnstein, B. (2018). Acceleration profile of an acrobatic act during training and shows using wearable technology. Sports Biomechanics, DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2018.1460394
  • Donohue, B., Gavrilova, Y., Galante, M. B., Burnstein, B., Aubertin, P., Gavrilova, E., Funk, A., Light, Benning, S., (2018). Wellness screening in Circus: Mental, Social, and Physical Health Factors Interfering With Performance. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts.
  • Burnstein, B. (July 2017). Creating a Culture of Data-Informed Decision Making. Innovation Enterprise – Sports Analytics Innovation Summit & Wearable Technology in Sport Summit. San Francisco, California.
  • Galante, M., Donohue, B., Gavrilova, Y., Phillips, C., Burnstein, B., Aubertin, P., & Corral, A. (2017). The relationship between problem-solving skills and factors associated with performance in the world’s elite circus artists. Journal of Performance Psychology.
  • Burnstein, B. (May 2016). Beneath the BigTop – Using Technology and Data to Support Circus Performance. The Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitians Association Annual Conference. Kansas City, Missouri.
  • Burnstein, B. (September 2015). An Innovative Approach to Managing Circus Performance. Innovation Enterprise – Sports Analytics Innovation Summit & Wearable Technology in Sport Summit. San Francisco, California.
  • Burnstein, B., Steele, R., Shrier, I. (2011). Reliability of fitness tests using methods and time periods common in sport and occupational management. Journal of Athletic Training 2011:46(5):505–513.