George Bell, a retired health care executive with extensive volunteer experience in the local community, has been named president/CEO of the Capital Area United Way.
The organization’s board of directors made the announcement this morning after a seven-month, nationwide search that yielded nearly 100 candidates.
Bell most recently served as administrator of Baton Rouge General–Mid City. He has also served on numerous nonprofit boards, including The Salvation Army, Mid City Redevelopment Alliance and the Center for Planning Excellence.
Bell tells Daily Report he sought the position because he believes in the potential CAUW has to help so many worthy nonprofit organizations in the country.
“I’ve done a lot of volunteer work with nonprofits and I’ve been on the other side and know the challenges these organizations face,” he says. “I also see the upside and the potential and United Way plays a very vital role. The way I see it, if I can help United Way grow and expand its base to become more of a facilitator and a funder of programs, then it serves a greater good.”
Bell is a native of Thibodaux and is a 1981 Hall of Fame graduate of Nicholls State University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He also attended Ohio State University, where he studied graduate level courses in public policy and management, and completed the Wharton School of Business Health Care CEO Talent Development course.
“After reviewing the impressive résumés and candidates for this position, we were delighted to find the right person right here in our local community,” says CAUW board Chair-Elect Stevie Toups in a prepared statement.
Bell says his immediate priority is to get acclimated to his new position before announcing any short- or long-term goals.
“I need to get the lay of the land,” he says. “I know a lot of the players and folks but I really want to get in and expand my knowledge.”
—Stephanie Riegel
