MEET NEW DABSJ PRESIDENT AND CEO JOEL BELL
It’s my honor to step into the role of President and CEO of DABSJ, because it’s an organization I know well. Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as the Chief Programs Officer, working closely with our incredible team to support the children and families who rely on us. Now, I’m excited to lead this organization into the future, building on the strong foundation we’ve created together.
I was born and raised here in Grand Rapids, and I’ve spent my career dedicated to child welfare and social work. After earning my degrees from Calvin College and Western Michigan University, I worked in various leadership roles at Bethany Christian Services and the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Each step of the way has deepened my commitment to serving others, particularly the most vulnerable among us.
There are two reasons I’m here at DABSJ: the people we serve and the people I get to work with. As a social worker at heart, I’m passionate about our mission and I’m thrilled to be in a role where I can still connect with the youth and families we serve, whether it’s participating in case discussions, family team meetings, or simply lending a listening ear.
On a personal note, my wife Rebecca and I have six wonderful children, one of whom we adopted through foster care. A full house, right? Well, we also share our home with four dogs, five cats, a bird, a gecko… and at one point we even had goats and chickens. Rebecca is a pastor, and her dedication to service inspires me every day.
I want to thank you for your unwavering support of DABSJ – our work wouldn’t be possible without you. I look forward to connecting with you at an upcoming event, tour, or perhaps a chat on the phone. Your thoughts and feedback are important as we unite to tackle this mission. Together, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of children and families across West Michigan!
With gratitude, Joel
