Ford W. Bell, DVM named Vice President of Philanthropy/Community Relations at HCMC

Ford W. Bell, DVM has been named vice president of philanthropy/community relations of Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) and president of the Hennepin Health Foundation. Dr. Bell has been serving as interim president of the foundation since August. Under his interim leadership, the foundation hosted its most successful fundraising gala ever this past December, both in attendance and funds raised. Earlier this month, the foundation announced receipt of a $4.6 million gift and grant from the Delta Dental Foundation of Minnesota that will expand access to dental services in HCMC’s new clinic and specialty building currently under construction.

“The Hennepin Health Foundation provides a way for individuals, corporations, and foundations to support the vital mission of HCMC,” said Jon L. Pryor, MD, MBA, CEO of Hennepin Healthcare System. “Ford Bell is a dynamic and visionary leader who will help the foundation grow to support HCMC as we continue to develop new and innovative approaches to meeting the needs in our community.”

Dr. Bell has broad experience as a national and Twin Cities nonprofit executive. From 2007 until last May, Dr. Bell served as president of the American Alliance of Museums in Washington, D.C. Prior to 2007 he had a distinguished career as a veterinarian and non-profit executive, including service as President and CEO of the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation. He is a past chair of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts board, and has served on the board of the Bell Museum of Natural History at the University of Minnesota and the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches.

The Hennepin Health Foundation connects the generosity of the community to the mission of HCMC which is to ensure access to outstanding care for everyone, while improving health and wellness through teaching, patient and community education and research. HCMC is a nationally recognized Level I Adult Trauma Center and Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center with the largest emergency department in Minnesota. It is operated by Hennepin Healthcare System, Inc., a subsidiary corporation of Hennepin County. The comprehensive academic medical center and public teaching hospital and clinic system includes a 484-bed acute care hospital, primary care and specialty clinics located in Minneapolis and surrounding suburban communities, as well as home care and hospice services.