Dr. Locke brings two decades of clinical experience to the position, including a long-standing tenure at Penn State University. During his time there, he co-founded the Center for Collegiate Mental Health, an influential research network that tracks mental health trends across nearly 900 institutions. At Protocall, he will manage clinical strategy and quality assurance, focusing on integrating evidence-based practices into the company’s expanding digital ecosystem.

He succeeds Brad Pendergraft, a founding member of the firm who served two stints at the organization spanning nearly 20 years. Pendergraft, who previously pioneered the company’s early clinical frameworks and AI-driven counselor training, will remain with the organization as a clinical consultant, focusing on the development of AI tools for behavioral health. CEO Phil Evans noted that the transition aligns with the company's broader mission to merge large-scale crisis response with specialized mental health technology.