The Bridge From Violence has announced the retirement of Executive Director Suzanne Smith, effective March 20, 2026.
After more than 27 years of dedicated leadership at The Bridge, Smith concludes a distinguished 37-year career in the anti-violence movement. The Bridge Board of Directors has appointed Cathi Sampson as the organization’s next executive director.
Honoring Suzanne Smith’s Leadership And Impact
Smith’s tenure as The Bridge’s Executive Director reflects remarkable progress in the organization’s mission to prevent and eliminate domestic violence and sexual assault. Her leadership empowered staff to adapt and innovate advocacy and prevention programs, addressing violence before it begins.
Smith secured critical funding to strengthen life-saving services while fostering a culture rooted in compassion, collaboration, and professional growth for staff and volunteers.
Under Smith’s leadership, The Bridge experienced significant growth in both reach and impact. In her first six years as executive director, The Bridge provided advocacy support services to approximately 200 survivors each year. Decades later, that number grew to 592 survivors with 619 children receiving advocacy support in 2025, along with more than 2,600 calls received by The Bridge’s 24-Hour Crisis Line.
This growth reflects not only a rising need for survivor support but also greater community awareness, trust, and access to The Bridge’s services.
The Team At The Heart Of The Mission
Smith’s leadership consistently empowered and uplifted the dedicated staff and volunteers at The Bridge. Advocates,
prevention educators, and Crisis Line volunteers carry out the daily work that ensures communities across The Bridge’s service area have access to life-saving support and resources. Together, The Bridge team has provided stability, expertise, and compassion to Fremont, Blair, and surrounding communities during moments of crisis, while helping to build a safer future.
“I know how fortunate I am to have spent my career doing work I love, supported every step of the way by an incredible family. I am deeply grateful and proud of this organization and of every person who has shaped the impact of our services, including all our incredible staff, board members, volunteers, committed supporters, courageous survivors, and colleagues who became friends,” Smith said. “I could not be more excited for The Bridge’s future under Cathi’s leadership. She brings vision, energy, strength, and kindness to everything she does.”
Welcoming The Next Chapter Of Leadership
Cathi Sampson
As Smith retires, The Bridge enters its next chapter with Sampson as executive director. Sampson has
maintained a close connection with The Bridge for more than 25 years, beginning as a full-time advocate. Following her time as a staff member, she served as an Enhanced Crisis Line Volunteer and men’s group facilitator. She later joined The Bridge’s Board of Directors, rising to the role of board president.
Her appointment as executive director reflects continuity in leadership strengthened by experience in strategic
planning, hands-on advocacy, and a deep commitment to The Bridge’s mission. As she steps into this leadership role, she plans to prioritize enhancing survivor advocacy, expanding prevention programs, and strengthening The Bridge’s
connections and partnerships with communities across the organization’s five-county service area.
“It is an incredible honor to step into this role at The Bridge. Suzanne’s leadership over the past 27 years has shaped this organization in extraordinary ways, and her mentorship has deeply influenced both my career and my passion for this work,” Sampson said. “While she is truly irreplaceable, I am committed to building on the strong foundation she created and continuing The Bridge’s mission to prevent and eliminate domestic violence and sexual assault.”
