Lucas joined BRYC in July 2012 as executive director designate, and he officially became executive director on January 1, 2013. In spring 2025, he was named chief executive officer. His primary duties are strategy, leadership, and fundraising. 

Originally from New York City, Lucas graduated with a bachelor’s in history from Yale University in May 2010, earning All-Ivy Academic Honors. He was a varsity rower all four years and captained the team his senior year. Prior to joining BRYC, Lucas taught 7th grade social studies at Baker Middle School and was named Teacher of the Year in each of his two years. He also coached the boys’ basketball team, launched a community service club, and took a group of his students to Washington, D.C. Lucas is the author of The College Playbook, a guide to the college and financial aid application processes. He sits on Emory University’s College Advocate Advisory Board, and is a recipient of the John W. Barton Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management, the BRAF Rising Star in Nonprofit Management Award, the University of Chicago’s Outstanding Educator Award, BlueCross BlueShield of Louisiana Foundation’s Angel Award, and The Links’ Louisiana Role Model Award, among others.

Under Lucas’ leadership, BRYC has grown from supporting 50 high school students in 2012–2013 to serving nearly 500 8th–12th-graders and 920 alumni in 2025–2026.