About Andy Berke

Andy was born on March 31, 1968 in Chattanooga, TN to Marvin and Karen Berke.

Andy’s grandfather, Harry, founded a local law practice in Chattanooga aimed at representing and helping Tennesseans. From helping someone who was discriminated against for his military service or talking to someone who just needs some advice, the Berke family law practice worked to make someone's life better. It was from his grandfather’s efforts that Andy learned the value of helping others while giving back to and improving one’s community and decided to make it his life’s goal.

After graduating with honors from Stanford University in 1990, Andy worked as a legislative assistant in the office of Tennessee Congressman Bart Gordon. It was through this experience that Andy decided public service was where he could best serve his community.

Andy graduated with honors from the University of Chicago Law School in 1994. Following law school, he worked as a law clerk for Judge Deanell Tacha of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Judicial Circuit in Denver, Colorado.  During this time he also taught at Kansas University Law School as an adjunct professor.

Elected to the State Senate in 2007 and re-elected to a second term in 2008, Andy is the Treasurer of the Senate Democratic Caucus. He serves as Secretary of the Education Committee as well as being a member of the Transportation Committee.  In 2008, he was appointed by Governor Phil Bredesen to the State Workforce Development Board.  In addition, he has been nominated by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation to attend its Emerging Leaders Program at the Darden School at the University of Virginia Business School. Recently, he attended the 31st American-German Young Leaders Conference in Germany.

Andy is a past President of the Chattanooga Association for Justice, and is a charter member of the local chapter of the Inns of Court. Currently, he works as a board member of the Siskin Children’s Institute, the local public television station, WTCI, the Chattanooga Nature Center, and the Tennessee Holocaust Commission.  At his daughter’s elementary school, Normal Park Museum Magnet, he has been on the PTA board and worked on the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Committee. He also served as a founding member of the Chattanooga Pro Bono Association.  He has held volunteer positions at the Children’s Advocacy Center, the Creative Discovery Museum, and Allied Arts of Chattanooga.

Andy is married to Monique Prado Berke, who is the vice president of the Ochs Center for Metropolitan Affairs in Chattanooga. Andy and Monique have two daughters: Hannah, who is in fourth grade, and Orly, a first grader.