Dubuque Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware named Deb Bell as the City’s new AmeriCorps Partners in Learning Program Director.
She will begin in mid-January and replaces Penny Ehlinger who recently retired after 10 years of service to the program.
“Deb has a strong background in leading and managing volunteers and volunteer partner agencies. Her successful work with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) here in Dubuque as well as human resource, special events and public relations experience will allow her to step in and take Dubuque’s AmeriCorps program to the next level with our many partners,” said Ware. “Additionally her experience as a teacher will give her insights into classroom work performed by AmeriCorps members.”
As AmeriCorps Program Director for Dubuque, Bell will work closely with agencies including but not limited to Dubuque Community Schools, Multicultural Family Center, Crescent Community Health Center, Washington Neighborhood Development Corporation, and the Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World and Circles programs. She will work on the recruitment, training and retention of over 50 AmeriCorps members each year.
The City of Dubuque's Partners in Learning AmeriCorps Program has been extremely successful in its first 10 years of operation under Ehlinger’s leadership. The program’s success was apparent in the 650 plus AmeriCorps members giving almost 225,000 hours of service in our community. “We look forward to a bright future of the program impacting the lives of children and families throughout Dubuque. AmeriCorps members have performed invaluable service to this community with many of them going on to leadership in a variety of roles in Dubuque,” said Ware. “Deb has the skills and experience that will continue the excellence established in Dubuque’s AmeriCorps Program.”
“The AmeriCorps program has had a positive impact on our community. I am looking forward to the challenge of enhancing the program while continuing the excellent service it has always provided.” said Bell.
Bell has professional experience as a teacher, associate teacher, counselor, human resource manager, and special events and public relations coordinator. Her director’s role with RSVP allowed her to work with over 30 area non-profits and recruit, manage and orient over 350 volunteers. Bell holds a bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Dubuque and an associate’s degree in handicapped services from Kirkwood Community College.