Raising Foundations

New Directions CEO Bridgette Johnson Builds Homes, Futures for Louisville Families

New Directions Chief Executive Officer and University of Louisville Master of Business Administration alumnae Bridgette Johnson’s path to leadership didn’t begin in a boardroom—it began in the heart of Louisville’s West End. Driven by resilience, compassion and an unwavering commitment toward building a better life for her daughters, Johnson channels that same determination into transforming communities in her executive leadership role.

New Directions is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating affordable housing and building stronger communities across Louisville and Southern Indiana. Since 1971, the organization has developed and managed rental properties, provided critical home repairs for seniors and people with disabilities and led neighborhood revitalization efforts. At its heart, New Directions is about more than housing—it’s about hope, stability and giving families the foundation to rise, thrive and build a brighter future.

In this interview, Johnson discusses how earning her MBA, and her time in the College of Business prepared her to lead with clarity and compassion, advancing her vision for affordable housing, nonprofit innovation and community transformation.

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College of Business: Share with us more about your background and what life was like growing up.

Bridgette Johnson: I was born in the California neighborhood [of Louisville] as the youngest of five siblings. We eventually moved to Newburg in central Jefferson County. My childhood was shaped by resilience, tenacity, family and community. The Newburg Boys and Girls Club became my safe haven, and that sense of belonging fueled my desire to dream and imagine a future beyond what I could see. I even had the honor of being crowned Miss Newburg and Miss Black Expo—fun memories that still make me smile.

I became a mother at 18, and again at 32, which gave me responsibilities early on but also fueled my determination to create opportunities for myself and my family. Being a positive role model for my daughters, Alesha and Alana, was always my ultimate goal. Motherhood instilled in me a strong work ethic, deep compassion and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

College of Business: What paths or experiences led you to your role as CEO of New Directions?

Bridgette Johnson: I began my journey with New Directions in 2004 as an administrative assistant. From the start, I saw myself in the clients we served—their journey mirrored my own. At that moment, I knew I wanted to grow into leadership at New Directions. My goal was to help provide affordable housing for families and individuals while supporting them on their journey.

Over the past two decades, I’ve worked my way through nearly every aspect of the organization—from property management to executive leadership. Each step gave me a deeper understanding of housing, compliance and community needs. Along the way, I pursued my MBA, which equipped me with the tools for strategic decision-making. This blend of lived experience, professional growth and education naturally positioned me for the role of CEO.

College of Business: What thoughts or feelings did you experience when you stepped into the role of CEO for New Directions?

Bridgette Johnson: It was both humbling and exciting! My daughters were so proud, and that meant the world to me. I felt a deep responsibility to honor the legacy of New Directions while also guiding it into a new era. Being entrusted with this role was not only a professional achievement but also a personal milestone. My first thought was gratitude—gratitude for the team that has walked alongside me, for the residents we serve and for the opportunity to help shape the future of housing in our community.

College of Business: How did your MBA experience, and your time at the University of Louisville, prepare you for leadership in the nonprofit sector?

Bridgette Johnson: The University of Louisville gave me the foundation to lead with both head and heart. My MBA sharpened my skills in finance, strategic planning and organizational management— all critical tools for leading a complex nonprofit. In addition, having my MBA prepared me to attend the Achieving Excellence Program at Harvard University. That experience broadened my leadership perspective, strengthened my ability to drive organizational change and connected me with national peers working to solve similar challenges. Together, these experiences reinforced that strong leadership is about balancing people and performance.

College of Business: What advice would you give current students—especially those hoping to work in nonprofit leadership or social impact spaces?

Bridgette Johnson: Stay curious. Stay humble. And don’t shy away from hard work. Your path may not be linear, but every experience builds skills you’ll use later. Build relationships, listen deeply to those you serve and embrace innovation. Most of all, remember that nonprofit leadership is about impact, not titles—you lead best when you’re serving others.

College of Business: What does being the first Black woman to lead New Directions mean to you, personally and professionally?

Bridgette Johnson: It’s an incredible honor. I did not reach this role on my own—I am deeply grateful for my predecessors, mentors, coaches, therapist, colleagues, family and friends. It affirms the sacrifices my ancestors made so women like me could step into leadership. Personally, I see it as my responsibility to be a good steward of my resources.

Professionally, it’s a reminder that representation matters and that hard work leads to results. When residents and staff see me in this role, it broadens their vision of what’s possible. My hope is that my leadership opens doors for those who will follow.

College of Business: What have you achieved as New Directions CEO that makes you most proud, and why?

Bridgette Johnson: I’m proud of leading initiatives that preserve affordable housing for families and seniors while also strengthening resident services. Programs like I Rise—our Family Self- Sufficiency program—are helping families build savings and long-term stability. I’m also proud that New Directions has received both local and national recognition for our property management, maintenance, resident services and asset management teams. These achievements show that we’re not only maintaining affordable housing but also improving the quality of life for those who call our communities home.

College of Business: What are the most significant challenges you have encountered in this role, and how have you overcome them?

Bridgette Johnson: One of the biggest challenges has been balancing limited resources with growing community needs. Rising costs, federal funding uncertainties and aging housing stock all require tough decisions. I’ve leaned on collaboration—building strong partnerships, advocating for policy solutions and developing creative financing strategies. I’ve also worked closely with staff to streamline operations and ensure we maximize every dollar.

College of Business: What excites you most about the work New Directions is doing right now?

Bridgette Johnson: I’m excited about our redevelopment projects, including Roosevelt Senior Apartments. For aging homeowners, we’re completing critical home repairs with support from partners like Louisville Metro, allowing seniors to safely age in place. Together, we’re transforming our community.

I’m also energized by the growth of I Rise, which demonstrates how housing can serve as a platform for financial empowerment. These efforts reflect our mission—not just to provide housing, but to help residents on their path toward self-sufficiency.

College of Business: What are our region’s greatest challenges or opportunities regarding housing access and sustainability?

Bridgette Johnson: Louisville—and the nation—faces a shortage of safe, affordable housing. Rising rents, stagnant wages and limited supply make it difficult for families to thrive. The opportunity lies in collaboration. By bringing together public, private and nonprofit partners, we can scale solutions that expand housing access, preserve affordability and ensure sustainability for future generations.

College of Business: What role does housing play in the health and future of a community?

Bridgette Johnson: Housing is the foundation of everything. Without safe, stable and affordable housing, it’s nearly impossible for families to focus on health, education or employment. Communities thrive when residents feel secure in their homes. Housing impacts mental health, economic mobility and even life expectancy. That’s why I believe housing is not just shelter—it’s healthcare, it’s education and it’s opportunity.

College of Business: What have you learned from the communities you serve, and how does that feedback shape the leader you strive to be?

Bridgette Johnson: I’ve learned the incredible power of resilience. Our residents remind me daily that people can thrive when given the right support and opportunities. Their stories keep me grounded and focused on solutions that are practical, not just theoretical. This feedback has shaped me into a leader who listens first, leads with empathy and ensures decisions reflect the voices of those most impacted.

College of Business: What’s your vision for the evolution and growth of New Directions over the next few years?

Bridgette Johnson: My vision is for New Directions to strengthen its role as a leading voice for affordable housing in the region. That means preserving and redeveloping more properties, expanding resident services and deepening partnerships. I want New Directions to be known not only as a housing provider but also as a catalyst for community transformation—where families move from simply surviving to truly thriving.

College of Business: For readers wanting to get involved or support the mission of New Directions, where should they begin?

Bridgette Johnson: There are many ways to get involved: Volunteer your time, donate to support or partner with us on housing initiatives. Even spreading the word about the importance of affordable housing makes a difference. Start by visiting our website, https://www.ndhc.org/, attending one of our events or simply reaching out—we welcome every level of engagement.

College of Business: Are there any other insights you would like to leave with our readers?

Bridgette Johnson: I believe leadership is about service. Every day I ask myself: Am I creating space for others to succeed? Am I building something that will outlast me? My journey from an 18-year-old mother to CEO is proof that with support, resilience and opportunity, transformation is possible—for individuals, families and entire communities.

With the right tools—like an MBA—you don’t just build a career, you design a blueprint for lasting community change. Discover which MBA fits your path at https://business.louisville.edu/academics-programs/get-your-mba-decision-guide/

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About the UofL College of Business:

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