Fr. Brian grew up in Woodstock, GA and spent three meaningful years at Kennesaw State University, where he discovered his calling to the priesthood. This calling led him to St. Joseph Seminary College in Louisiana for his undergraduate degree and then to Mundelein Seminary in Illinois for his graduate studies. These two schools prepared him for the priesthood. After his seminary studies, Fr. Brian was ordained a priest and served for two years at Transfiguration Catholic Church in Marietta, GA, before moving to Athens to serve at The Catholic Center. 

With a deep passion for evangelization and spirituality, Fr. Brian dedicates his life to guiding others in their walk with Christ. He finds great satisfaction in shepherding a university community, especially walking with students during their pivotal college years. Fr. Brian is fascinated by life and embraces the joys, hardships, and growth that come from being a disciple of Jesus. Please keep him in your prayers!

Dan Cotter serves as Director of Operations at The Catholic Center at the University of Georgia. A native of Northern Virginia, Dan graduated from Bishop Ireton High School and Boston College. After college, he served in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, teaching and mentoring students in inner-city Washington, D.C. through the Higher Achievement Program.

Dan later earned his law degree from George Mason University School of Law (now the Antonin Scalia Law School) and practiced civil litigation for nearly four decades. He is admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States and received an American Bar Association Liberty Bell Award for his work educating middle school students about the American legal system. Over the years, Dan has been active in various community volunteer opportunities such as St. Vincent de Paul of Georgia.

Following his retirement from legal practice, Dan joined The Catholic Center, where he now supports the Center’s mission by helping oversee operational and administrative functions that serve students and the broader community. Dan is grateful to be a part of The Catholic Center family.

Dan Marcacci grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan and began studying piano and voice at the age of five and began playing for the Catholic Church in eighth grade on both the piano and the organ. He dual majored in Organ Performance and Telecommunications at Indiana University. While in college, Dan toured with the Singing Hoosiers throughout North America, Greece, Yugoslavia, and Australia. The group became the inspiration for the hit TV series, “Glee.” He had the privilege of working with Erich Kunzel/Cincinnati Pops and Disney on a Grammy nominated album entitled “A Disney Spectacular.”

For the last 35 years, Dan has held positions in the Archdiocese of Atlanta at St. Patrick in Norcross, Prince of Peace in Flowery Branch, St. Jude in Sandy Springs, St. John Neumann in Lilburn, Mary Our Queen in Peachtree Corners, and Transfiguration in Marietta. Dan toured with the St. John Neumann choir to Italy in 1999 and was principal organist for several concerts throughout the country including St. Mark’s in Venice, St. Ignatius’ in Rome with a National Radio audience, and High Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.  He sang for Pope St. John Paul II in a private audience and was offered a position at the Vatican by the papal organist after playing Sunday High Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Dan and his wife, Thea, have three boys that have all participated in music ministries and altar serving and all live in Gwinnett. Thea is a highly ranked realtor with Keller Williams listing properties throughout North Georgia and was Director of Operations for their accredited school, “The Atlanta Broadcast Institute.” Dan retired from his convention and video production company, Video Quest, that is credited with several Telly Awards, an Addy Award, and many Regional Emmys and is now excited to be worshipping with the wonderful disciples at The Catholic Center as the Director of Liturgy and Music.

Lynn’s time with the Catholic Center’s Religious Education Program has been challenging/rewarding, spiritual/passionate, tiresome/enjoyable, but always a true blessing. When her friends’ comment, “Why are you always here?” she replies, “’Cause I love it!” Working with a great staff, caring priests, helpful college students, wonderful RE families, and CC friends makes this her home away from home. She has come prepared with 40 years of teaching experience in public and Catholic schools. She was taught by the Sisters of Mercy, IHM, Dominican, and Notre Dame from first grade to 12th grade in Baltimore, Miami Beach, and Hollywood. The best part of her day is walking into the CC, being greeted with a big hello from Jenni, and then getting to work for the Lord.

Jeff Donahue serves as the Director of Youth Ministry and Confirmation at the Catholic Center at UGA. He and his wife, Cristi, have three children and are grateful to share their faith together as a family. Outside of ministry, Jeff enjoys serving with Troop 149 in Watkinsville, where he is a member of the troop committee and the unofficial camp coffee barista. His favorite saint is St. James, his favorite book of the Bible is the Letter of James, and his favorite Scripture verse is Exodus 14:14: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Jeff strives to live out that promise each day, trusting God to lead wherever He calls.

Suzie studied ecology and natural resources at UGA and has been part of The Catholic Center community since she began as a freshman in 2013. After marrying her husband Jake at The Catholic Center in 2021, they left Athens but returned in 2023 when she began serving the community she loves as the Sacramental Coordinator. She is eternally grateful to accompany so many beautiful souls on their journey with God, whether they are infants and children receiving Baptism or adults who desire to enter the Catholic Church. If you have met Suzie, you have probably met her daughters Joan and Veronica, who are usually close by and ready to greet CC visitors and regulars alike with a smile and a wave. 

Rachel graduated from the University of Georgia in 2026 with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising, a certificate in Interdisciplinary Writing, and a minor in Business. As a student, she was an active member of the Catholic Student Association, attending various ministry events and serving leadership positions like small group leader, Graphics Chair on the student board, and hosting the Catholic Dawgs Podcast. She steps into the role of Associate Director of Mission Advancement with prior experience from the Catholic Foundation of North Georgia (CFNGA) and the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS)—as well as working as the Marketing & Communications Specialist at the CC during her junior and senior year at UGA. Rachel is excited to continue supporting the growth and community of The Catholic Center!

Cherie Frankson is the Administrative Assistant at The Catholic Center at UGA. She enjoys visiting and helping the students, as well as the permanent members. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Theology from Franciscan University. She has been in the Athens area nearly 20 years. She feels blessed to be part of the staff and community here at The Catholic Center.

Dorothy is a student at the University of Georgia from Peachtree Corners, Georgia. She is currently a senior studying Social Studies Education and wants to be a future high school history teacher! Dorothy is an active member of the Catholic Student Association (CSA), serving as one of the Catholic Center Presidents. She also teaches Religious Education for the Catholic Center every Wednesday! Outside of the CC, Dorothy enjoys hanging out with her friends, going on walks, reading fantasy novels, and going to Circle K after daily mass!

Ava is a junior at the University of Georgia from Roswell, Georgia where she is studying Public Relations with minors in Italian and Classical Culture. She is an active member of the Catholic Student Association (CSA) and is excited to serve as co-coordinator for the Ablaze Ministry for the 2026-2027 academic year. Along with being on CSA board she is involved with Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS): leading a bible study and discipleship pod.  Outside of the Catholic Center, Ava loves hiking, watching movies, baking, reading anything C.S Lewis, and hanging with friends.