Homeward Bound of Western North Carolina announces that Simon Dwight will transition out of his role as Chief Executive Officer in the coming months.
Over the past two years, Simon has led Homeward Bound through a period of significant organizational growth by helping to rebuild relationships, improve operations, and establish a strong and stable foundation on which to grow. Through this work, the organization is better positioned to serve people experiencing homelessness in an increasingly challenging environment.
Wayne Swanton, President of Homeward Bound’s Board of Directors, shared the following statement: “The Homeward Bound Board and I could not be more proud of what has been accomplished over the past two years under Simon’s leadership. He has helped strengthen the organization, its effectiveness, and its reputation in the community. We feel blessed to have had Simon as a leader and a friend and wish him every success in his next life chapter.”
Reflecting on his time at Homeward Bound, Simon shared, “Leading Homeward Bound over the past two years has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together.”
He added, “As our Strong and Stable chapter draws to a close, I have come to recognize that this is the right time for new leadership to guide Homeward Bound into its next phase.”
Read Simon Dwight’s full letter to the Homeward Bound community below.
Homeward Bound has a succession plan in place, and we look forward to sharing more about the organization’s next chapter with our community early next week. Simon will remain in post over the coming months to ensure a smooth handover of leadership and minimal disruption for the organization. For now, we invite our staff, partners, supporters, and the broader community to join us in recognizing Simon’s leadership and expressing our gratitude for all he has contributed to Homeward Bound and the people we serve.
Dear Friends and Community Partners,
After considerable reflection, I have decided that the time has come for me to transition out of my role as CEO of Homeward Bound. This has not been an easy decision. I care deeply about this organization, our mission, and the people who make our work possible.
Leading Homeward Bound over the past two years has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career. I came to this organization at a time of significant challenges, with a commitment to restoring stability, rebuilding trust, and strengthening our ability to serve people experiencing homelessness. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together.
I have always believed that leadership carries a significant responsibility, particularly in an organization whose work matters so deeply to the lives of others. It requires and deserves everything its leader can give, and I believe we owe it to those around us to ask honestly whether we remain the right person for what comes next. As our Strong and Stable chapter draws to a close, I have come to recognize that this is the right time for new leadership to guide Homeward Bound into its next phase.
Through the dedication of our staff, Board, and community partners, Homeward Bound has emerged stronger and more stable. We have rebuilt important relationships, strengthened our operations, resolved longstanding challenges, and expanded our reach, all while navigating an extraordinarily difficult funding and service environment. We developed and implemented Strong and Stable, a coherent organizational strategy created with staff, Board members and other stakeholders. It gave the organization shared direction during an uncertain period and helped establish stronger foundations for the future.
None of this would have been possible without the extraordinary people who make this work happen every day. I am deeply grateful to our staff for their compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to our mission, and to our supporters and partners for their trust, generosity, and willingness to work alongside us.
The challenges surrounding homelessness in Asheville and Buncombe county remain significant. The public conversation has become increasingly difficult, and the need for meaningful collaboration has never been greater. Yet I remain as convinced as ever that homelessness in our community is solvable, and I believe deeply in the work Homeward Bound is doing and the role it must continue to play in creating lasting solutions.
It has been a privilege to work alongside so many dedicated people who care deeply about this community and believe, as I do, that everyone deserves a place to call home. I will stay in post over the coming months to ensure a smooth handover of leadership and minimal disruption for the organization. Homeward Bound’s work is far from finished, but its foundation is strong, its direction is clear, and its future is in capable hands. I look forward to seeing what comes next.
With huge gratitude,
Dr. Simon Dwight
Chief Executive Officer
Homeward Bound of WNC