Hannah Gunther Takes the Helm as New Executive Director of Bridges Project

Bridges Project for Education, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to postsecondary education for students of all ages in Taos County and Northern New Mexico, announced this week the appointment of Hannah Gunther as its new Executive Director.

Gunther — a Bridges Project for Education alumna and graduate of Taos High — brings a personal connection to the organization's mission and a wealth of experience in the field of college access. 

Since 1997, Bridges has offered free, individualized postsecondary counseling and support programs to individuals from all backgrounds, whether they be high school students, non-traditional learners, or adults seeking further education.

“There can be many challenges to pursuing a postsecondary education, beyond even just financial barriers, and I know first-hand how the guidance and resources Bridges offers can open doors to new opportunities,” said Gunther.

The Board of Directors that oversees Bridges is counting on Gunther’s unique background and experience to lead Bridges into its next phase of growth and impact. “Hannah understands the importance of providing opportunities and resources to students in Taos County, having benefited from Bridges' support herself,” said Ale Collignon, board chair. 

Gunther holds a B.A. with High Honors in Sociology and a minor in Political Science from Colgate University. Her college thesis, titled “Divergent Approaches to Access: How Selective College Admissions Offices Recruit Lower-Income Students” was published in the Journal of Working Class Studies. Most recently Gunther served as a Senior College Access & Preparedness Counselor at Success Academy Charter Schools in Brooklyn, New York. 

“Her passion for college access is evident in her professional career, where she has consistently worked to provide students with the resources and support they need to succeed,” said Collignon. 

As the new Executive Director of Bridges Project for Education, Gunther is poised to lead the organization with a unique perspective and a deep commitment to its mission. She is the first Executive Director to have come through the Bridges program herself, a detail that reinforces both the organization’s, and Gunther’s, dedication to community and mission. 

Gunther replaces Anne Levine, who held leadership roles, including the executive director position, at Bridges since 2017. Throughout Levine's tenure, the organization achieved numerous accomplishments, according to Collignon. “Thanks to Anne and her efforts, so many students have gone on to realize their postsecondary goals. She leaves behind a legacy of excellence,” she added. 

In 2022 Bridges celebrated 25 years of service to Taos; the milestone has invigorated both the board and staff at Bridges. “Hannah’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for our future,” said Sue Martin-Trujillo, program coordinator at Bridges. 

She added, “She’s the right person to hold the doors of opportunity open for the next generation of students and we’re all just so thrilled to have her.”