Mr. Bell is originally from Cambridge, Massachusetts, but spent 16 years living in New Orleans, and seven years in Rochester, New York.

Mr. Bell began his career teaching in 1976 at St. Cecilia's School in New Orleans, then became principal in 1984. After relocating to New York in 1986, he became principal at Most Precious Blood School in Rochester. He has been principal at Holy Spirit School in Huntsville since 1993.

He holds a B.A. from Tulane University and a M.Ed in Education from Loyola University in New Orleans.