Johnell Bell is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Espousal Strategies LLC, a boutique government, community, and public affairs firm. Through his extensive work in the office of U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and his tenure helping lead public entities, he has developed a reputation as a thoughtful, creative strategist and balanced, passionate leader who understands the needs of diverse stakeholders. Johnell is also the Fair Access Officer for the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) program.
Prior to founding Espousal Strategies, Johnell served as State Field Director for Senator Merkley where he led the senator’s forward-facing outreach and state field operations. Johnell also served as Director of Diversity and Transit Equity for TriMet where he was the agency’s Chief Diversity Officer overseeing small business, equity and civil rights. His efforts received national recognition, and he helped to set Oregon’s record of awarding over $150 million to DBE firms during the construction of the Orange line. Johnell also served as an advisor to Portland Mayor Tom Potter and Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler. In those roles, Johnell created an economic development office and co-created an office of diversity and inclusion.
A sought-after speaker on public engagement, economic development, and equity, Johnell’s presented and served on panels for national conferences and organizations, and bodies, and agencies. He is a COMTO National Board Member and Chair of the COMTO HUB Committee, as well as a member of the National Small Business Leadership Council.