Executive Director

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Napoleon Bell II attended Columbus Academy through his formative years finishing at Bishop Hartley High School. Director Bell attended The Ohio State University and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Capital University. After college he worked in management with AT+T and GTE Directories. Later realizing his passion for working with the community, Director Bell left management to work with the City of Columbus Department of Safety as a police officer. He is a Certified Crime Prevention Specialist and Defensive Tactics Instructor.
For twelve years, Director Bell worked as an officer focusing his attention on quelling community disputes. His successful mediation skills resulted in his promotion to the Strategic Response Bureau where for six years he served as a Community Liaison Officer. Director Bell was very active in his work with various businesses, block watches and civic associations and during his tenure, Director Bell established the Mid-East Area Collaborative, unifying all the block watches and civic associations on the far east side of Columbus. In May 2005 Director Bell joined the City of Columbus Community Relations Commission as Deputy Director and now his time is dedicated to numerous issues including but not limited to the New Americans initiative and diversity education/training. In September of 2008 Mayor Michael B. Coleman appointed Mr. Bell the Interim Director.  In March of 2009 Mr. Bell was appointed permanent Executive Director for the Community Relations Commission.  Mr. Bell is currently a member of the United Way Training Advisory Committee, United Nations Association Board and the African American Advisory Council and presently serves on the  Crime Stoppers Board as well.