Bridges to Housing Stability Announces Jessamine Duvall as New Executive Director

Bridges to Housing Stability (Bridges), a nonprofit dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness through affordable housing solutions and advocacy in Howard County, announces today the appointment of Jessamine Duvall as the organization’s new executive director. Duvall, who officially assumed her role on May 4, succeeds Jennifer Broderick, LCSW, who is stepping down from Bridges to pursue other professional and personal opportunities.
 
In Duvall, Bridges gains an enthusiastic local leader with more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, operations, fundraising, and management. Since 2023, she has served as executive director for Columbia Housing Center, a non-profit organization established to promote racial and ethnic integration and diversity in Columbia, Md, through housing advisory services, community outreach, advocacy, and educational programming. Previously, she was executive director of Girls on the Run Central Maryland, a non-profit experiential learning program and run club for girls in third through eighth grade, where she oversaw the organization's growth and enhanced commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
 
“At Bridges to Housing Stability, we work tirelessly to provide a path to self-sufficiency to prevent and end homelessness in Howard County,” says Patrick Curran, Chairperson of the Bridges Board of Directors. “We have benefited greatly from Jennifer Broderick’s contributions over the last 12 years, including her thoughtful leadership as executive director since 2019, which has set a strong foundation for meaningful change. As we welcome Jessamine Duvall as our new executive director, we are excited for the unique vision and energy she brings to the role. Jessamine’s approach to leadership centers on collaboration, community engagement, and fostering inclusion. With Jessamine at the helm, Bridges to Housing Stability will not only continue its vital work but also reach new milestones in making safe, stable housing accessible for all.”
Having spent the last 26 years in Howard County, Duvall has demonstrated a longstanding dedication to the community’s commitment to providing an open and inclusive community for all. She has served as the Village Manager of the Hickory Ridge Community Association, a board member of the Columbia Association, Commissioner of the Howard County Housing Commission, and a member of the Housing Affordability Coalition and the Community of Practice for Racial Equity in Howard County. She is also a graduate of Leadership Howard County.
 
"Bridges to Housing Stability has been a steadfast advocate for ending homelessness and expanding affordable housing options throughout our community for more than 35 years. I am deeply inspired by the organization’s legacy of successfully providing sustainable housing solutions for Howard County families,” says Jessamine Duvall. “My focus as we begin this next chapter is to drive true systemic change by dismantling the barriers that prevent affordable housing, ensuring that anyone who wishes to live in Howard County, especially those who already work here, can do so. I look forward to the work ahead.”
Bridges currently operates three core housing stability programs, as well as affordable rental properties, transitional housing, and the HoCo Home Share program. In fiscal year 2025, the organization served 900 individuals in Howard County, rehoming 134 households, and spent more than $1.1 million on housing stability assistance for low-income households.

 
About Bridges to Housing Stability
Bridges to Housing Stability is a nonprofit organization based in Howard County, Maryland, dedicated to providing comprehensive housing solutions and support services to low-income individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Our mission is to provide a path to self-sufficiency to prevent and end homelessness through affordable housing solutions and advocacy. Learn more at bridges2hs.org.