Homeward Bound of Western North Carolina is pleased to announce that Jessie Figueroa, currently serving as the organization’s Resource Development Director, will become its next Chief Executive Officer. Read Homeward Bound’s announcement about Simon Dwight’s departure, released on October 28th.
Wayne Swanton, President of Homeward Bound’s Board of Directors, shared the following statement:
“Looking ahead, we are delighted to continue this journey with Jessie Figueroa as our new CEO. Jessie brings a deep commitment to our mission, a demonstrated record of success across multiple leadership roles within Homeward Bound, and established relationships throughout the broader community that supports this essential work. She is well positioned to lead our dedicated team in preventing and ending homelessness.
We are grateful for all Simon has given to this organization and excited to welcome Jessie into this new role.”
Simon Dwight shared his thoughts: “As I prepare for this transition, I am delighted that Jessie Figueroa will be stepping into the CEO role. Jessie is one of our own, and she brings the skills, commitment, and determination to lead Homeward Bound into its next chapter. I have every confidence in her leadership.”
We’re also excited to share that we’re adding a Chief Operating Officer to our leadership team, an important investment in building leadership capacity and strengthening the support we provide to our staff, programs, and overall organization.
Simon will remain in post over the coming months to ensure a smooth handover of leadership and minimal disruption for the organization.
A Message from Incoming CEO Jessie Figueroa
“I’m incredibly grateful to Simon for his leadership and the foundation he has helped build at Homeward Bound. I look forward to carrying that work forward and building on the progress we’ve made. I know there are challenges ahead, but they only motivate me more to deepen our impact, both for the neighbors we serve and for our larger Asheville community.
For me, this work has always been about more than a job. My commitment to this work began more than 20 years ago, when I became troubled by how people without a place to call home were treated in our communities. That experience shaped my belief that everyone deserves a home and that we all have a role to play in making that possible.
Since joining Homeward Bound in 2021, I’ve had the opportunity to see our mission from multiple perspectives, from working directly within our housing programs to building the resources and partnerships that make our work possible. I’ve gained a greater appreciation for the challenges people face in finding and maintaining housing, the dedication of the people working alongside them, and what we can accomplish when we come together around a shared purpose. I’m especially proud to work alongside such a passionate and talented staff. Their commitment to this mission and to the neighbors we serve is something I admire, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead alongside them.
In my new role, I want to continue strengthening Homeward Bound while deepening our relationships throughout the community. Preventing and ending homelessness takes more than any one organization can accomplish. It requires listening, collaboration, and a willingness to work together toward solutions. I look forward to continuing our partnerships with local government, businesses, service providers, our Continuum of Care partners, and community members to create more opportunities for people to find a place to call home and be part of a community where they belong.
I’m honored to lead Homeward Bound moving forward. I believe in this organization, the people who make its work possible, and the community that stands behind it. I’m excited about what we can accomplish together.”
— Jessie Figueroa, Incoming CEO, Homeward Bound of Western North Carolina
Homeward Bound remains committed to its mission of preventing and ending homelessness through permanent housing and support. We are dedicated to advancing this work alongside our partners throughout the greater Asheville-Buncombe area, building a community where all of our neighbors have the opportunity to thrive. Thank you for your continued support.
