ST LOUIS, MO – June 4, 2026 – Unleashing Potential (UP) announces Bridget Jones as Interim President and CEO.
Following the retirement announcement of long-time President and CEO Darlene Sowell, who stepped down on May 29, 2026, the Board of Directors has selected Bridget Jones to lead the agency through its next chapter.
“We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Bridget Jones as our Interim President and CEO during this pivotal time of transition,” said Michael Green, Board of Directors Chair. “The search committee was impressed by Bridget’s executive experience in the St. Louis non-profit community and expertise in youth programming and workforce development as well as major fund development and capital campaign achievements. Bridget possesses the unique combination of strategic vision and compassionate community-minded leadership required to advance Unleashing Potential’s mission.”
“I am honored to step into the role of Interim President and CEO and to serve Unleashing Potential’s vital mission of closing the opportunity gap for our youth,” said Bridget Jones. “I look forward to collaborating closely with our dedicated staff, board, and community partners to build capacity that strengthens current program initiatives, enhances vital funding streams, and ensures operational infrastructure sustainability. Together, we will continue to create powerful educational pathways for the children and families who rely on UP.”
Bridget Jones is a native of St. Louis who holds a Master’s of Business Administration from Webster University and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia. She has spent over 20 years working in senior leadership positions with local nonprofits. As a social entrepreneur for over 13 years, she founded and served as the President and CEO of a Workforce Development based organization that was dedicated to bridging the economic and digital divide. More recently she served as the President and CEO of the Youth and Family Center.
Over the last 15 years, Ms. Jones has gained extensive experience developing and implementing fund development strategies. In past positions, she has successfully secured donations ranging from $1,000 to well over $1 million and conducted capital campaigns resulting in gifts totaling over $120 million.
As a classically trained dancer, she danced professionally and spent eight seasons with St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders and one season with the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders. After ending her professional dance career, Ms. Jones opened a dance studio and ran it for over 14 years. Ms. Jones is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and has served on several local nonprofit Board of Directors.