Brandon Rainey

About Brandon Rainey

I build people, programs, and purpose-driven movements.For over 20 years, I’ve written, directed, and produced theater that transforms lives—mentoring students who now perform on global stages, in TV shows, and across the film industry. At the same time, I’ve led schools, launched nonprofits, and developed scalable systems that center equity, excellence, and student voice.Currently, I serve as Head of School at DNA Prep Academy, where I oversee all academic, athletic, arts, and residential programming for Grades 3–12—including housing for international students. I helped secure WASC accreditation, NCAA eligibility, and CIF certification, and led our Film Department to a 1st Place win at the “Making Movies That Matter” Festival in our inaugural year—despite being an athletics-centered campus.I’m also the Executive Director of CBG Arts, a nonprofit that brings arts education and mental wellness programming to over 1,200 students annually across LAUSD and the City of Inglewood. Our 18-school mental health tour with CalMHSA stands as a model of culturally relevant SEL in action.As a national speaker and former Training Manager with Sandy Hook Promise, I’ve trained over youth, educators, and law enforcement professionals in violence prevention, mental health, and social-emotional leadership. I also served as the Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Co-Chair, helping refine both internal policy and external strategy. My videos are still shown in classrooms across America. My book, Man Laws 101, has sold over copies and powers weekly mentoring programs in three schools, helping young men navigate manhood with accountability, identity, and truth.Creatively, I’ve written and directed works featured by ABC News (Why We Sing, Feeling Good, Romeo & Juliet for the City of Inglewood) and staged productions at UCLA, USC, and American Conservatory Theater (2 MAAD Citiez, Born 2 Reign). During the pandemic, I starred as Pumbaa in a reimagined Lion King on Clubhouse and created Love Game, the first original musical on the platform, which drew over 6,500 live listeners. I’ve also produced sold-out dinner theater shows in Los Angeles with The Gathering Spot, and led Hello America in a special reading with the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute.From the stage to the strategy table, I lead with story, soul, and systems.Let’s build something that matters

Experience

1. Head of School

   Dna Prep Academy

   Jul 2023 — Present

   Lead executive responsible for campus-wide leadership at a dynamic private institution for young athletes, artists, and scholars.• Oversee all aspects of academic programs, campus culture, athletics, arts, and operations for Grades 3–12.• Supervise residential life and housing for international students in partnership with Internexus, ensuring holistic academic and cultural support.• Helped to secure NCAA eligibility and finalized CIF certification, expanding college access and competitive athletic opportunities for student-athletes.• Manage a cross-functional team of faculty, counselors, coaches, and admin to foster an environment of academic rigor, personal growth, and student wellness.• Cultivate strategic partnerships with organizations including Man Laws 101 and the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative to deepen social-emotional and leadership programming.

Education

• Morehouse College

  BA, Theater

  2003 — 2007

Skills

• Business Relationship Building
• Consulting
• Equities
• Team Development
• Strategy
• Mutual Funds
• Risk Management
• Team Leadership
• Strategic Planning
• Securities
• Financial Services
• Business Process Improvement
• Leadership
• Product Development
• Management
• Requirement Specifications
• Operations Management