After an extensive search, The JDRF Houston Gulf Coast Chapter is pleased to name Rick Byrd as our new Executive Director.  Rick is a non-profit executive with twenty years of management and development experience. Rick has a strong development background working in fundraising leadership and throughout his career Rick has a proven track-record of organizational revenue growth, board and volunteer development, strategic planning and positive community relations.

Rick started his career with the YMCA of Greater Houston as a Program Director at the Post Oak YMCA. Since then, he has held a variety of positions, within the organization, including Executive Director of the Weekley Family YMCA, District Executive Director and most recently as the Vice President for Development/Executive Director of the YMCA of Greater Houston Endowment Foundation. During his tenure, Rick has been recognized for his fundraising achievements as well as leadership capabilities.   

Rick currently serves as Treasurer for the Houston Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and is the President and founding member of the Wilchester Neighborhood Men’s Club, a 501 (c) 3, non-profit, with a mission to give back to the community and those in need. Rick is married to Susan and they have two children, Alexander (14) and Elizabeth (10). They both are actively involved in their community and local schools. Rick also enjoys coaching his children in various sports throughout the year.

We are thrilled Rick has joined the JDRF Houston Chapter and our efforts to turn type one into type none.  We hope you will join us in welcoming him in the coming days as he steps into his new leadership role.