Child welfare nonprofit hires new President and CEO

PeopleNonprofit

Aug 5

Photo courtesy of D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s

D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s (DABSJ), the region’s oldest child welfare nonprofit, has appointed Joel Bell as its new President and CEO. Bell had served as the organization’s Chief Programs Officer for two years.

“As Chief Programs Officer, Joel demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to our mission, and with extensive experience in child and family services, he is very well-prepared to lead DABSJ,” said India Manns, Chairperson, D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s Board of Directors. “He is passionate about the mission and tremendously committed to the organization and the welfare of all children. He is eager to take on the challenges of the position and lead the organization into the next era. The Board of Directors is extremely excited for Joel to be the next leader.”

A licensed social worker with more than 20 years of experience, Bell has served in leadership roles at Bethany Christian Services and the State of Michigan. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Western for 10 years.

“Knowing how dedicated this team is, I’m honored to now serve as CEO,” said Joel Bell. “There are two primary reasons that I’m here at DABSJ: the people we serve and the people I get to work with. I’m a social worker at heart, so I love working in a place where I get to work with others who are committed to our mission and are striving to provide excellent care to families and children.”

Bell’s appointment comes nearly one year after the 137-year-old organization opened its 43,000-square-foot, $13.9 million headquarters facility at 2172 Dean Lake Avenue in Northeast Grand Rapids.

Founded in 1887, DABSJ impacts over 16,000 lives annually through behavioral health, family preservation, foster care, adoption, psychiatric, and residential treatment services. Learn more at https://dabsj.org/.