Dave Brannan serves as the Program Director at Lumen, bringing over a decade of experience in leadership roles within outdoor behavioral healthcare programs for adolescents and young adults.

A graduate of LaGrange College, Dave holds a B.A. in English with a minor in Coaching and Leadership, and later earned his M.P.A. from Valdosta State University. His path toward a career in the helping professions began after college when he completed a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail—a transformative experience that inspired his first role as a Field Instructor in wilderness therapy. From there, he advanced through several leadership positions, including Director of Alumni Relations and Director of Admissions, where he honed his skills in communication, coordination, and family support.

Through these experiences, Dave developed a deep understanding of what it takes to create meaningful, sustainable growth for clients and their families—before, during, and after a program. His leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, consistency, and a shared mission to deliver the highest quality care and outcomes possible.

Having spent more than nine years working directly with families in admissions and outreach, Dave understands the complexities that young adults and their parents face when navigating the transition into adulthood and therapeutic programs. He is passionate about uniting teams around a common purpose and building strategies that make the journey smoother for every client.

Outside of work, Dave enjoys life in Athens, Georgia, with his wife and three young children. When he’s not spending time with his family, you’ll likely find him on the golf course, hiking a local trail, or cheering on the Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs.