Host Jeremy C. Park talks with ChangeMaker, Mark Melson, President and CEO of Gladney Center for Adoption, who shares some of his personal story in growing up in Euless, Texas, attending Texas A&M and the University of North Texas, moving to Louisiana and meeting his wife, and aligning his passions and purpose as both a “Gladney Dad” and leader of the nonprofit based in Fort Worth, Texas, that focuses on adoption and the belief that every child deserves a loving and caring family.
During the interview, Mark talks about the power and magic of adoption, how growing up with an adopted older brother helped pave the way for he and his wife to adopt their son out of foster care and add to their family, and how Gladney Center for Adoption continues to evolve in order to help children, parents and families thrive. He talks about some of the challenges and yet the blessings received, as well as how the community can support their efforts and support foster adopting families and youth in your local community to help make a difference.
Visit www.adoptionsbygladney.com to learn more.
This podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham. To learn more about Higginbotham, visit http://www.higginbotham.com.
About Mark Melson:
After joining the Gladney Center for Adoption in 2008 as the Chief Development Officer, Mark was later was appointed to Chief Operating Officer before being named President and CEO in 2018. Gladney allowed him to focus his efforts on bettering the lives of children in need not only in Texas, but around the world through both domestic and international adoption programs. Mark earned a BBA and MBA from the University of North Texas and later worked in various leadership capacities in Louisiana and North Texas not-for-profit organizations. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Children’s Home Society of America. Mark is an adoptive dad and resides in Texas with his wife and three children.
