Meet Luke

Luke has over 2 decades of experience working with individuals who are struggling with homelessness, substance abuse, mental health, and domestic violence. He specializes in connecting those in need with mentorship and resources that provide a path out of poverty, while offering treatment for mental illness and addiction.

Making a difference in your hometown.

Many know Luke for his heart for people and his knack for getting resources into the hands of those who need it most. And right now, Luke is already hard at work to make Cookeville a better place to thrive.

Luke believes the right kind of leadership is personal and relational. His involvement in this community did not start with a campaign; it has been a consistent part of his life. Before running four years ago, he was already showing up, serving, and staying connected. That has not changed during his time as Vice Mayor, and it will not change in the years ahead.

Luke’s unique skillset has carved out a niche to help countless individuals and families. With over 2 decades of experience, Luke is highly adept at identifying needs and providing solutions for those who struggle to escape poverty, substance abuse, mental illness, and domestic violence.

Luke believes in tackling the root issues of poverty in the Upper Cumberland. He is focused on guiding others toward freedom from addiction and fostering personal independence, and he is actively working to bridge the gaps, engaging those in need with tools for healing, success and self-development.

Faith.  Family.  Future.

Luke is devoted to Melissa his wife of 17 years, their two young children Jude and Jovi, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Luke understands what it means to be a servant and the sacrifice it will take to be a great leader for this community, and his family is behind him all the way.

The Eldridges are faithful, longtime members of Engrafted Word Church. Luke and Melissa serve as elders and lead youth ministry, where they pour their lives into discipling the future generation of church and community leaders of the Upper Cumberland.

Luke’s calling to promote the Gospel and help the impoverished has also taken him abroad on mission trips to developing nations in Africa and Central America. Honored and humbled by his experiences, Luke brings a deep insight into extreme poverty, and he understands what it’s going to take to overcome it in our own culture.

Helping out around the neighborhood.

When he’s not serving in his home church, Luke enjoys giving his time to restorative ministries and charitable organizations. He serves on the Manna’s HANA board, a nonprofit founded through love to provide recreational riding for individuals with special needs through equine-assisted activities. Luke also serves with Unique Cookeville, an outreach event designed to connect families and individuals with disabilities to local resources and support.

He’s also had the privilege to coach in his children’s soccer league, as well as volunteer at many of our favorite community events including Slide Cookeville, Fall Fun Fest, and “Red, White and BOOM!” July 4th celebration.

Luke is the son of Ronnie Eldridge and Jackie Dyer, and he is an alum of Tennessee Tech University with a degree in psychology. Today, he works within the Upper Cumberland workforce, delivering services across all 14 counties by helping individuals find jobs and supporting them while they attend school.