Since 2000, Luke has served as the Executive Director of The Dawes Arboretum, a nearly 2,000-acre public garden and natural area dedicated to enriching lives through the conservation of trees, nature, and history. A staff member at The Arboretum since 1987, he has also held the positions of Horticulturist and Assistant Director.

Under his leadership, The Dawes Arboretum has grown from 1,100 acres to almost 2,000 acres of plant collections, gardens and habitats and is home to nearly 16,000 living plants. The Arboretum has been accredited through the Botanic Gardens Conservation International for its work with rare, endangered and threatened native plants of the Ohio River Valley. Additionally, The Arboretum recently received recognition from The Global Diversity Standard for protecting, restoring, and enhancing biodiversity, the world’s only international recognition for this work.

Luke has served on the American Public Gardens Association Board of Directors, the Ohio State University Secrest Arboretum Board of Governors, the Muskingum Watershed Conservation District board of advisors and the City of Gahanna Parks and Recreation Board. He is also a consultant for the American Alliance of Museums Assessment Program and provides guidance on plant and habitat stewardship.

Luke has been awarded the Honorary Life Membership from the American Public Gardens Association; the highest award given in recognition of exemplary leadership in the field of public gardens. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from The Ohio State University with majors in Ornamental Horticulture and Journalism.