Johnny Gray and Christine Burke first met in 2018 in Austin, TX, and quickly knew they’d found something special. Eager to share their lives, they spent their first year together meeting each other’s families—one of the earliest and most memorable trips was to Essex, NY, to visit Johnny’s parents, Nick and Carol Muehller, who many of you know as beloved members of the Essex community.
It was over that Fourth of July weekend that Christine first crossed the ferry and fell in love with Essex. The flowers were in full bloom, the lake sparkled, and the small-town charm left a lasting impression. Johnny, a seasoned residential architect, has spent his career designing homes with a deep understanding of how people truly live and interact in their spaces. He’s led architectural teams and contributed to many home designs seen across the country.
Christine, meanwhile, has built a dynamic career in technology sales and consulting, holding leadership roles at IBM, CA Technologies, and Salesforce. She currently leads the Healthcare Delivery Organization for North America at Armis, a cybersecurity company.
Together, Johnny and Christine share a passion for thoughtful design and community. They recently completed the renovation and launch of Lady on the Lake, a collection of six beautifully restored short-term rental cottages right here in Essex. Summers in Essex have become a cherished tradition, full of meaningful friendships and local adventures.
During the winter months, they live in Neptune Beach, Florida, where they enjoy the warm weather and coastal lifestyle while staying connected to their work and passions. Animal lovers through and through, they share their lives with their dogs Travis and Pancho, and Christine—who grew up with horses and was a collegiate barrel racer at Southeastern Oklahoma State University continues to enjoy equestrian life. When winter rolls around, you’ll likely find them on the slopes enjoying their other shared passion: snow skiing.
Johnny and Christine are thrilled to be part of the Essex community and look forward to many more summers filled with beauty, connection, and a touch of adventure.
Light refreshments will be served following the program. There is a suggested doantion of $5.00 to help support the library.