Luke Byford began his career at Gladney in the Summer of 2018. Like many development and fundraising professionals, he found his way indirectly into the field. Luke's academic background is in music, and his professional work includes marketing, graphic design, and religious leadership. He and his wife, Emily, have been a part of the Fort Worth community since 2008, when they moved from Oklahoma for academic pursuit. Fort Worth has been home ever since. Settling in the historic Wedgwood neighborhood, The Byfords' three children attend Texas Center for Arts+Academics' schools, both the Texas School of the Arts, and Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts. Luke is currently the Donor Engagement Manager at the Gladney Center for Adoption and serves as the VP of Membership on the Association of Fundraising Professionals Fort Worth Chapter board of directors. Fort Worth, and the good of the city, will always be an important part of Luke's professional and personal focus.