Northside Neighborhood House Named New CEO

Local nonprofit operators in Chattanooga should note the leadership shift as Brandon Hubbard-Heitz takes the helm.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of a brass key on a wooden block, representing organizational foundation and leadership transition in a civic institution. — Northside Neighborhood House has appointed Brandon Hubbard-Heitz, former chief strategy officer at Chattanooga 2.0, as its new chief executive officer. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The board of directors of Northside Neighborhood House has appointed Brandon Hubbard-Heitz as its new chief executive officer. Hubbard-Heitz brings over 15 years of experience in education and nonprofit leadership to the Chattanooga-based organization.

Why it matters

Leadership transitions at major community organizations can signal shifts in strategic focus, partnership priorities, and operational outreach for local businesses and nonprofits alike. Hubbard-Heitz joins the organization following a tenure marked by scaling large-scale collaborative networks.

The incoming leader managed a 13-school Literacy First partnership and a 50-organization network through his previous work in education and nonprofit leadership. He brings over 15 years of cumulative experience to the role.

The players

Brandon Hubbard-Heitz

Incoming CEO with over 15 years of experience in education and nonprofit management, currently serving as chief strategy officer at Chattanooga 2.0.

Jessica Whatley

Outgoing leader who served as the head of Northside Neighborhood House since September 2024.

Northside Neighborhood House

A Chattanooga-based nonprofit organization focused on serving the local Hamilton County community.

The details

Brandon Hubbard-Heitz currently serves as chief strategy officer at Chattanooga 2.0 and previously worked as an assistant principal at East Brainerd Elementary School. His operational track record includes expanding the Literacy First program from a one-school pilot into a 13-school partnership. He also led the restructuring of the Out-of-School Time Alliance into a network involving nearly 50 organizations.

September 2024: Jessica Whatley began her leadership at Northside Neighborhood House.
November 9, 2026: Brandon Hubbard-Heitz begins his role as CEO.
Early December 2026: Jessica Whatley concludes her transition support work.

Market Landscape

This appointment follows the leadership tenure of Jessica Whatley, who directed the organization starting in September 2024. The move represents a pivot in the nonprofit's executive direction as it continues its service mandate across Hamilton County.

Business operators and local partners should monitor for changes in procurement or community engagement strategies once the transition is complete in December. Establish new points of contact with the updated administrative team following the November 9 start date.

The takeaway

Effective nonprofit leadership depends on the ability to scale collaborative networks, as evidenced by the incoming CEO's track record with large-scale regional alliances. Review the organization's public transition updates in December to understand how these new priorities may align with your own corporate social responsibility goals.

What happens next

Brandon Hubbard-Heitz will officially assume his duties as chief executive officer on November 9, 2026. Jessica Whatley will remain with the organization through early December 2026 to assist with the leadership transition.