Jesse Bridges is chief executive officer for the United Way of Northwest Vermont, the leading organization in convening advocates, leaders and volunteers to address complex social problems and secure resources to support change. Under his leadership since 2017, the organization achieved recognition as one of the best places to work in Vermont, created a continuous dynamic strategic planning process and shifted the organization's business model to a more sustainable vision for the future.
He previously served as the director of the City of Burlington's department of parks, recreation and waterfront. Under Bridges’ leadership, the department finished the city's first-ever comprehensive parks master plan. He also helped found the Parks Foundation, a separate 501c3 to raise private dollars to support the ongoing park rehabilitation efforts.
Bridges earned a bachelor's degree in history in 2002 and a master's in public administration in 2008, both from the University of Vermont. In 2011, he graduated from the Lake Champlain Chamber's leadership program. Jesse has served on the board of directors for the Lake Champlain Chamber since 2012.