Luanne Byrd

I am a freelance writer and Media Relations Specialist covering NFL and College Football, extreme sports, the music industry and general human interest stories. My articles have been published in national magazines, newspapers and news wire services, as well as locally throughout the metro Atlanta area and Athens in publications including the Athens Banner-Herald, Southern Distinction magazine, Creative Loafing, Athens Blur magazine, Athens magazine, The Gwinnett Post Tribune and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

I am the owner of The R.I.F.T Group, a full-service marketing communications company specializing in brand development and management through insightful and strategic communications solutions. Originating as an in-house agency under RFA Media, publisher of ASX magazine, an extreme sports publication, and Adventure Racing magazine, The R.I.F.T. Group (Radically Inspiring Fearless Thought) hosts a wide range of clients that seek alternative and forward-thinking branding strategies.

Also an actor, I have appeared in more than 20 feature films including “The Watch,” “Scary Movie 5,” “The Family That Preys,” “We Are Marshall,” “Stomp the Yard,” “Why Did I Get Married?” and have just finished shooting “The Good Lie” and “Anchorman 2,” scheduled to release this year. In addition, I have worked on several network television shows including Devious Maids, October Road, House of Payne, Drop Dead Diva, and Single Ladies, and multiple regional and national television commercials. I also served as the show announcer for The Classic Center Theatre in Athens, GA for two seasons.