Key Staff & Board of Directors

Executive Team

Jared Sanford, MPA
Chief Executive Officer
360 397 8246 ext 30484

Jared Sanford joined Lifeline Connections in October 2012 and serves as the Chief Executive Officer.  Jared has worked in many different capacities within the behavioral health field where he began his career as a Substance Abuse Counselor.  He has held progressively responsible positions ranging from Clinical Supervisor to Regional Director and now CEO.

Jared holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. He has a passion for recovery because he has witnessed the destructive nature of addiction. Jared believes that recovery is possible and happens every day!

Brandy Branch, LMHC, SUDP
Chief Clinical Officer
360 397 8246 ext 30534

Brandy serves as the Chief Clinical Officer of all Lifeline Connections clinical programs including in-patient residential, intensive outpatient, outpatient, mental health and drug court.  Brandy has worked in the substance use and mental health field for over 20 years including working with patients experiencing co-occurring disorders through case management, group counseling, and education.  She is fluent in American Sign Language and has counseled and assessed deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

Brandy earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Wyoming, Laramie, and Associate of Science, Sign Language Interpretation at Portland Community College. She earned her Master’s of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling in Deafness from Western Oregon University.  Brandy started with Lifeline Connections in 2001 as a staff member in the Residential Unit.  She has had increasing progressive positions leading to her current position as Chief Clinical Officer.

Joe Foster, MBA, CMA
Chief Financial Officer
360 397 8246 ext 30554

As the Chief Financial Officer, Joe has oversight of the agencies facilities, equipment and financial activities.  Joe joined Lifeline after seven years at Concordia University, Portland OR where he played key roles including Director of Operations & Data Management, Director of Accounts Receivable and most recently Business Systems Analyst.

He began his professional career as the Director of Finance & Operations at Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, Santa Barbara, CA after graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA. Joe earned his MBA with an emphasis in Operation Management from Concordia University, Portland, OR. Joe is also certified as a Management Accountant.

Remi Smith, MSW, MBA
Chief Quality Officer
360 397 8246 ext 30297

Remi Smith joined Lifeline Connections in May, 2019 and serves as the Chief Quality Officer.  Remi has over thirteen years in Non Profit leadership, eight of which as a Quality Director. In addition, she has over 11 years in law enforcement.

Remi began her career in behavioral health in in-patient residential psychiatric services for children and adolescents, then transitioned into adult behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment.  Remi earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Affairs from WSU/ Vancouver, her Master’s degree in Social Work from Walla Walla University and her Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Portland.  

Crisis Stabilization Advisory Board

Recovery Resource Advisory Board