Unleashing Potential Selects Bridget Jones as Interim President and CEO

Following the retirement announcement of long-time President and CEO Darlene Sowell, who retired May 29, 2026, the St. Louis-based Unleashing Potential (UP) board of directors has selected Bridget Jones to lead the agency through its next chapter.  

From St. Louis, Bridget Jones holds an M.B.A. degree from Webster University and an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Georgia. She has spent more than 20 years working in senior leadership positions with local nonprofits. As a social entrepreneur for more than 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 president and CEO of the Youth and Family Center.  

During the last 15 years, 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 more than $120 million.  

“We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Bridget Jones as our interim president and CEO during this pivotal time of transition,” said Michael Green, chair, board of directors. “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.”

A classically trained dancer, Jones 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, she ran her own dance studio for more than 14 years. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and has served on several local nonprofit boards of directors.