Gregory N. Bell

Gregory N. Bell has been with Woodhaven for forty-two years and is now the chief operations officer. He has been a part of the expansion of services for the nonprofit which resulted in the organization’s growth from $12 million to $22 million in five years. His role as the COO involves oversight of the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of Woodhaven’s programs and services.

The role involves operational, strategic, and performance management along with leadership tasks.

“A common misconception is the COO is merely a backup to the CEO,” Bell explained. “In many cases, the COO is focused on the internal operations and strategies of an organization and plays a vital role in the day to day operations.”

As for Bell’s goals, he plans to expand programs throughout all of the services that Woodhaven provides, assist with the Workforce Development Center and with the development of the Community Connections program, increase participants in the residential program, and professional development for Woodhaven’s leaders to create a positive work culture.

“I give all credit to Woodhaven’s dedicated workforce who are committed to fulfilling our mission and embracing the abilities of all of the individuals we support,” he said. “We wouldn’t be where we are without our amazing staff.”

In the upcoming years, he would like to obtain Woodhaven’s tenth consecutive Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) Accreditation, increase participants in all service programs, further enhance the competency of all employees to continue to provide high quality support, reduce turnover and overtime expenses, increase staff salaries, and implement the nonprofit’s new strategic planning goals.

He also credits the Board of Directors for the help that it provides through its commitment to Woodhaven’s mission and the individuals Woodhaven supports.

Bell said he enjoys spending time with the youth who are participants in the programs, helping them overcome obstacles as they become respected members of the community. He is proud to be providing internal career growth opportunities for employees and watching them individuals grow both personally and professionally. That goal extends to the individuals Woodhaven serves.

“We work hard every day to find community employment opportunities for our individuals,” he stressed. “We educate our community that our individuals can be productive employees.”