BEACON HOUSE STAFF
Dane Prieston, JD
Exectuive Director
Dane Prieston serves as Executive Director of Beacon House Aftercare, bringing both professional leadership in recovery services and a deeply personal connection to the organization. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Dane came to Louisville in 2020 to begin his own recovery journey as a resident of Beacon House. He later joined the Resident Manager team before moving into statewide recovery housing leadership.
Dane served as Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, where he worked with the Kentucky Recovery Housing Network, the first iteration of Kentucky’s affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences. He later served as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Alliance of Recovery Residences, where he helped oversee statewide recovery residence certification, implementation of national quality standards, and the continued development of Kentucky’s recovery housing ecosystem.
His work has also included legislative and public-policy advocacy on issues affecting recovery residences and the people they serve, including educating policymakers and advocating for policies that protect access to safe, high-quality recovery housing.
Dane earned his undergraduate degree from the University of San Diego and his law degree from Golden Gate University School of Law. He returned to Beacon House as Executive Director with a commitment to strengthening the organization that played a foundational role in his own recovery while expanding opportunities for the men who follow.
Deborah Jennings, BS
Director of Operations
Deborah’s path to Beacon House was shaped long before she joined the staff in 2020. A Kentucky native, she spent more than 20 years serving the Commonwealth of Kentucky and built a career in business, technology, and administration. Throughout most of her adult life, she has also had a close connection to recovery communities and has seen firsthand the difference that support and opportunity can make in someone’s life.
At Beacon House, those two worlds came together. Deborah brings her business and leadership experience to work that is deeply personal to her, helping build a strong organization where men in recovery have the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Development and an undergraduate certificate in Human Resource Leadership.
Deborah believes recovery is about more than getting sober. It is about rediscovering purpose, rebuilding relationships, becoming part of a community, and creating a life worth protecting. That belief is what makes the mission of Beacon House more than a profession for her. It is work she feels privileged to be part of.
Brad Palmer, BA, PSS, TCADC
Senior Resident Manager & Peer Support
Brad was born and raised in Louisville, KY. and has an Associate in Arts degree from Jefferson Community College and a Bachelor of Science Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University. Brad was a peer mentor at the Beacon House as a resident before becoming a staff member. He likes to help and watch others rebuild their lives in this house, as he was able too.
Antwan Baker
Resident Manager
Originally from Decatur, Alabama, Antwan moved to Louisville at 13 and has split his time between both places ever since. His years in Louisville shaped much of who he is today, but it was at The Beacon House where he truly found a new path forward. Through his own experience in recovery, Antwan discovered a passion for supporting others. His natural charisma and down-to-earth approach make him a powerful presence in the lives of the men he works with. He thrives on seeing that moment when something clicks within a guy who realizes he’s capable of change and starts believing in himself. For Antwan, helping others find that light is more than a job – it’s a calling.
Greg Hughes, AAS, PSS
Peer Support Specialist
Greg serves as a Resident Manager and Peer Support Specialist at Beacon House, where he draws on his own lived experience, genuine compassion, and deep commitment to helping others build meaningful lives in recovery. Greg has a natural ability to connect with people, meet them where they are, and create an environment where residents feel welcomed, supported, and believed in.
With an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration and Marketing, Greg brings both practical skills and a people-centered approach to his work. Whether he is managing the day-to-day responsibilities of the house, encouraging a resident through a difficult moment, or simply taking the time to listen, Greg approaches his work with sincerity, patience, and heart.
Greg believes deeply in the power of community and in people helping one another become stronger. That commitment to others extends beyond his work at Beacon House. His greatest and proudest role is being a loving and devoted father to his daughter.
Katie Foree, BSN, TCM
Targeted Case Manager
Katie Foree is a compassionate Targeted Case Manager with over 15 years of experience in healthcare, including more than 8 years dedicated to behavioral health and over 5 years in case management. Holding dual Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Nursing, Katie combines her extensive knowledge with a genuine passion for helping others. Her empathetic approach and resilience, shaped by her own life experiences, enable her to connect deeply with clients and provide tailored support to meet their unique needs. Katie is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those she serves.
Outside of work, Katie enjoys hiking, spending time at the lake, and engaging in outdoor activities. She values quality time with loved ones and her dogs, which helps her maintain a balanced perspective.
Russ Read, MA
Volunteer Golf Tournament Director | CEO Emeritus
Russ Read is a Louisville native who served as Chief Executive Officer of Beacon House for 15 years before retiring in 2026. Following a 40-year career in television broadcasting, production, marketing, and technology, Russ brought his leadership experience and passion for recovery to Beacon House, helping strengthen the organization and expand support for men building lives in recovery.
Russ continues to support the Beacon House mission by volunteering his time, experience, and community relationships to direct the Annual Golf Classic, one of the organization’s most important fundraising events. He is also a cofounder of the Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition, a two time Emmy Award winner, and a longtime advocate for reducing the stigma and barriers associated with substance use disorder.
William Carpenter
Senior Resident Manager (Emeritus)
Will was a Louisville native and is a graduate of Iroquois High School and Eastern Kentucky University. Will was a graduate of Beacon House where he “found a new way of living” and met men from all backgrounds who were just like him. Following the 12 steps and the rules of the Beacon House set him on a path to peace, happiness, and sanity. Will was able to share his knowledge of, and passion for recovery with the men under his care each and every day.