Today, District Bridges announced that after more than a decade of leadership, its founding Executive Director, Brianne Dornbush, will step down from her role at the end of the current fiscal year.

Founded in 2005 as the volunteer-led effort known as the Columbia Heights Day Initiative and reimagined under Brianne’s leadership, District Bridges has grown into a nationally recognized community-based economic development organization. Over the last decade, District Bridges pioneered the first multi-Main Street model in the country, supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, residents, and neighborhoods across Washington, DC, through innovative programs, partnerships, and advocacy.

Reflecting on the transition, Brianne shared:

“District Bridges was built on the belief that strong neighborhoods are created through relationship, collaboration, and shared responsibility. Leading this organization for the past decade has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Together with our board, staff, partners, and community members, we’ve built something deeply rooted and resilient. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve built and excited to see how District Bridges continues to evolve and thrive in its next chapter.”

Under Brianne’s leadership, District Bridges expanded from a single neighborhood initiative into an organization supporting six Main Street programs in ten neighborhoods and more than 2,000 businesses citywide. The organization pioneered new models for community ecosystem development including the first Multi-Main Street model in the nation, launching innovative tools such as Access Point DC, a tech platform created to build greater equity and access into small business technical assistance, and a transformational community navigation program that helps individuals in crisis navigate the fragmented social services system. Through this work, District Bridges has become a trusted thought leader in local and national economic and community development conversations. During her tenure, District Bridges also strengthened its operational foundation, diversified its funding, and built a skilled, mission-driven team deeply connected to the communities it serves.

Board Chair Michelle Boquiren Urben shared:

“Brianne’s leadership has been visionary, courageous, and deeply relational. She has led District Bridges through periods of growth, challenge, and reinvention with integrity and care. The board is profoundly grateful for the intention and transparency she is bringing to this transition and for her commitment to setting the organization up for long-term success.”

The board has approved a thoughtful, phased transition plan that includes Brianne taking a planned sabbatical, the appointment of an interim executive director, Anna Claire Walker, and a comprehensive executive search process. Brianne will continue to support the organization during the transition, including onboarding new leadership and ensuring operational continuity.

Board Vice Chair and Search Committee member Starsha Valentine, added:

“This transition plan reflects both the strength of the organization Brianne has built and our responsibility to steward it into the future. We look forward to engaging staff, partners, and community stakeholders as we begin the search for District Bridges’ next executive director.”

District Bridges remains committed to its mission of enriching neighborhood vitality by bridging community engagement and economic development so individuals, businesses, and communities can thrive together. The board and staff extend their deepest gratitude to Brianne for her extraordinary leadership and to the community whose partnership makes this work possible.