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 Daniel J. Brannen was named Executive Director of Covenant House Washington (CHW) in April 2009. The former U.S. Marine Corps Captain joined the nation's largest, privately funded homeless youth serving organization after serving abused, neglected and homeless youth throughout the United States for the past two decades.
Assuming the leadership post at CHW represents Mr. Brannen's second tour with Covenant House. "It is absolutely wonderful to be a part of the Covenant House family again," said Brannen. "I am humbled and honored to be associated with so many caring, committed, and courageous caregivers. I know that together, we will continue to improve the life situations of struggling young people who put their trust in us. It is my privilege to help these beautiful young men and women reach their fullest potential."
Mr. Brannen has dedicated his life to helping our nation's emotionally wounded teens recover and move forward from extremely difficult childhoods. In 1988, Mr. Brannen volunteered with Covenant House in New York City. Realizing that serving homeless kids was his true calling, he resigned his commission as a United States Marine Corps officer and became a full-time counselor with Covenant House New York. Mr. Brannen worked in all facets of the delivery of care to homeless young people: crisis care, sanctuary, transitional living, preventive services, outreach and aftercare.
Mr. Brannen went on to become the Executive Director of the foster care organization - Ohio Boys Town in Cleveland. After witnessing first-hand how aging-out foster teens were truly America's "throw-away" kids, he moved to Florida and co-founded Kids@Home – an organization solely focused on the plight of aging-out foster teens.
Mr. Brannen has been a local, state and national advocate on behalf of homeless and transitioning youth. He was appointed by the Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families to the state's Independent Living Task Force. Further, Mr. Brannen served on the National Advisory Committee for the Standards of Excellence in Transitional, Independent Living and Self-sufficiency Services with the Child Welfare League of America. Mr. Brannen has served as the Chairman of the Board for the National Independent Living Association, an organization dedicated to helping foster care youth transition into adulthood and self-sufficiency.
CHW Board Chairman Thomas White noted that the Board of Directors is looking forward to working with Mr. Brannen to enhance the agency's public profile and attract donors to help youth in crisis. Said White, "The needs of young people in the D.C. area are staggering. As one of a very few shelter programs dedicated to youth in the city, we must find ways to effectively serve more youth. We are confident that Dan's expertise in program development and fundraising will help us do just that."
Mr. Brannen holds a Master of Science degree in Urban Affairs from Hunter College (the City University of New York) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from Miami University. He and his wife Marilyn have three beautiful children; Dylan, Jude and Jay.
Youth Services Expert to Lead Covenant House Washington
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