Chief Operating Officer Bridgette Johnson Will Lead Housing Nonprofit

New Directions is pleased to announce that its Chief Operating Officer Bridgette Johnson will become the organization’s new President and CEO on July 1^st. 

“Bridgette has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and an inspiring vision for the organization,” said Kurt Mason, community leader and retired federal executive, and chair of the New Directions Board of Directors which led the selection process. “We are confident that she possesses the integrity, expertise and collaborative spirit necessary to guide New Directions through any challenges and opportunities that arise in the years to come.”  

In determining the selection of the organization’s next President and CEO, the Board of Directors’ leading focus was identifying a candidate that was well known and respected on the federal, state, and local government levels, and a visionary leader who with passion could navigate the current housing challenges facing our community. In short order it became apparent that such a candidate was within the current ranks of New Directions in the role of COO.

“Bridgette is well-respected by her peers locally and nationally,” said Board Vice Chair Gretchen Leiterman, and COO of Baptist Healthcare. “She is a changemaker, passionate about our mission, and deeply committed to the well-being and success of each of our clients. 

Johnson, as President and CEO of New Directions, will lead an organization dedicated to providing and maintaining housing for local families. The organization also engages in other business lines, such as home repair and rehab, and child care. Consistently ranked among the top 25 nonprofits by Louisville Business First, in 2024 New Directions was recognized as the Housing Partner of the Year by Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) for its impact on affordable housing.

Johnson brings to the role of President and CEO more than 20 years of leadership experience with New Directions and a proven track record of achievement, with a deep commitment to equity and innovation. She is avisionary leader who has been centered around curating a culture of hope, innovation, and resilience, where bold ideas and meaningful impact thrive. 

One recent example includes the launch of a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Family Self-Sufficiency program, the first nonprofit in Kentucky to do so, which New Directions calls I Rise.  This program has received statewide and national recognition. 

I Rise was awarded the NAHRO Award of Merit by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) for its innovative approach to helping low-income families achieve financial stability and self-sufficiency. In addition, KHC recognized the program with its Outstanding Performance in Resident Services award.

Johnson has cultivated high-performing teams whose work in property management and maintenance, and asset management likewise has garnered national and statewide awards. 

In 2017, KHC and HUD honored New Directions for Outstanding Performance in Property Management.  In 2024, the Consortium for Housing & Asset Management (CHAM) honored New Directions as Asset Management Organization of the Year, while two senior employees under Johnson’s leadership recently have been individually recognized by KHC for Outstanding Performance in Property Management. 

Johnson has helped shape transformational initiatives that have fortified the organization’s foundation while expanding its impact, from launching the I Rise Family Self-Sufficiency program to preserving vital funding and contributing to critical redevelopment projects.  She has restructured teams for greater accountability and proudly represented New Directions on national platforms to advance conversations about housing equity and financial empowerment.

“Curiosity—and a fair amount of tenacity has carried my passion,” said Johnson. “I began my journey with New Directions in 2004 as an Administrative Assistant. Twenty-one years later, that passion hasn’t waned—it’s only deepened. I understand who we serve, why we serve, and how our work impacts individuals, families, businesses, and the entire community. I am deeply humbled and honored to continue my servant leadership as the President and CEO of New Directions.”

Johnson will succeed Lori Hudson Flanery, who announced last month that she is stepping down June 30, having served as President and CEO for over eight years. Flanery came to New Directions in 2016, upon the retirement of Joe Gliessner, who led the organization for 30 years. Johnson is the first African American woman as President and CEO at New Directions.   

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About New Directions Housing Corporation

New Directions Housing Corporation serves Louisville, KY, and Floyd and Clark counties in Indiana. We create and preserve affordable housing, support families with educational, health, and social services, and engage neighborhoods to increase safety and resiliency. Founded by Saint William Church in 1969 and incorporated in 1971, the organization is rated as Exemplary by NeighborWorks America for strong governance and stewardship practices. New Directions houses over 1,300 people in 913 units and serves another 225 households through its Repair Affair Program and other home rehab services.

In 2020, New Directions became the first Kentucky nonprofit approved to operate HUD’s Family Self-Sufficiency program, with over 200 families participating and five individuals completing the program. New Directions manages St. Benedict Center for Early Childhood Education, an official Head Start program for 95 low-income children, achieving a 5-star rating through the Kentucky All-Stars program.