Title: Retired Chief Operating Officer
Company: Legacy Leaders Institute
Location: Prairieville, Louisiana, United States
Michael Brannan, Retired Chief Operating Officer at Legacy Leaders Institute, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Disaster Fraud Investigations and Computer Forensics.
Mr. Brannan’s distinguished career is marked by a series of leadership roles and significant contributions to disaster fraud, investigations and computer forensics. Most recently, he has served as the chief operating officer and chief technical officer at Legacy Leaders Institute since 2024. In this capacity, Mr. Brannan has handled all necessary daily responsibilities, managed international affairs and maintained active communication in the field. He has contributed to global improvement efforts and served as a subject-matter expert across multiple investigation-related domains, demonstrating his commitment to advancing best practices and fostering international collaboration.
Also in 2024, Mr. Brannan joined Boardsi as an executive adviser and board member. In this role, he provides strategic guidance and governance expertise, supporting organizational growth and development at the board level.
Before his work at Legacy Leaders Institute, Mr. Brannan was a criminal investigations program manager and senior special agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Working remotely for the Office of the Inspector General’s Headquarters Operations Division from 2013 to 2024, he achieved the GS-14 Staff 10 rank, the highest civilian level before the Senior Executive Service. Mr. Brannan was the primary liaison across all Department of Homeland Security components, including the Secret Service and Internal Affairs.
Between 2006 and 2013, Mr. Brannan served as a resident agent in charge for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. During this period, he hired seven agents whose performance set a high standard compared to many government agencies. His strategic thinking enabled his team to achieve exceptional results in both financial recoveries and law enforcement outcomes. From 1999 to 2005, Mr. Brannan was a special agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, where he played a pivotal role in major investigations.
Mr. Brannan’s career began as a law enforcement officer with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in 1995. After the events of September 11th, he completed an advanced interrogation and interview course in Dallas, Texas, and became the main coordinator among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
During his tenure with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Mr. Brannan’s leadership was instrumental in returning $700 million to the government and generating cross-savings in Louisiana alone. Under his direction, his team made over 700 arrests and convictions, collaborating with other agencies on complex investigations. As the executive director of investigations for disaster operations, Mr. Brannan led investigative teams, issued press releases and managed operations from Louisiana. His agency received top awards and commendations for its performance.
Another notable achievement while in law enforcement was Mr. Brannan’s collaboration on a disaster fraud statute following September 11th. He helped spearhead the creation of an amendment to Title 18 of the U.S. Code to combat corruption and ensure accountability for disaster fraud, instituting a mandatory 20-year prison sentence for offenders.
Mr. Brannan’s academic background has been integral to his professional success. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice, sociology and psychology from the University of Northern Colorado and completed coursework toward a master’s degree through Europe Without Borders at the University of Hong Kong in 2025. Notably, Mr. Brannan was a collegiate football player and wrestler. In addition to his academic achievements, he earned an edX verified certificate in Model United Nations: Fundamentals of Model United Nations and Rules of Procedure from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research in 2025.
Recognizing his professional excellence, Mr. Brannan received the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s highest award, as well as several other accolades from the organization. Throughout his career, he has attributed his success to being present every day for each employee and individual he interacts with, striving to make their day better through personalized leadership. Mr. Brannan also credits his resilience and commitment to meaningful leadership as guiding principles that have enabled him to lead by example, make sound decisions and foster a sense of belonging among colleagues.
Mr. Brannan is currently pursuing a master’s degree in international law at the Université Catholique de Louvain. Guided by his faith, he remains eager to continue living an honorable life and contribute to peace in a world often marked by tension.
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