Homeward Bound Names Jessie Figueroa CEO
Vendors and partners of the Asheville nonprofit should expect a new chief executive and a new chief operating officer role.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in People
Homeward Bound has named Jessie Figueroa, its current resource development director, as its next chief executive. The nonprofit announced the appointment in a November 2 news release, replacing outgoing CEO Simon Dwight.
Why it matters
A leadership transition at a Asheville-area nonprofit that also adds a chief operating officer position signals an operational restructuring for organizations of this type. Local nonprofits and their vendors, donors and partner agencies track such changes closely because they can shift funding priorities and day-to-day operations.
The announcement covers one chief executive appointment and one new chief operating officer position at Homeward Bound. No financial or staffing figures were included in the release.
The players
Homeward Bound
A Asheville-area nonprofit organization whose board president is Wayne Swanton and whose leadership is changing.
Jessie Figueroa
Homeward Bound's current resource development director, named as its next chief executive.
Simon Dwight
Outgoing chief executive of Homeward Bound, who will remain in the role for a few months during the transition.
The details
Homeward Bound selected a leader from within its own staff, promoting its current resource development director to chief executive. Outgoing CEO Simon Dwight will remain in his position for the next few months to support a smooth transition. The organization is also adding a chief operating officer position to its leadership team, which will sit alongside the new CEO.
Timeline
Last week: Homeward Bound announced that Simon Dwight would leave the CEO role.
November 2, 2026: The nonprofit's news release named Jessie Figueroa as next CEO.
The next few months: Dwight remains in position during the handover.
Market Landscape
Internal promotions into the chief executive role at local nonprofits are a common way organizations preserve institutional knowledge during leadership changes. The addition of a chief operating officer alongside the new CEO suggests the organization is separating strategic leadership from day-to-day operational management.
Vendors, donors and partner agencies working with Homeward Bound should confirm the handover timeline with the organization during Dwight's remaining months. Nonprofits planning for leadership changes should review succession and operational roles, including whether a chief operating officer position will affect their point of contact.
The takeaway
Homeward Bound's internal promotion and new chief operating officer role are the operating signals to watch. Partners should request written confirmation of who will serve as their primary contact once the transition is complete.
Further reading
For more on executive appointments and leadership moves across the region, explore People coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WLOS.
