W. Donald Bell
W. D. “Don” Bell has been active in the semiconductor and Information Technology business for over 40 years. He has served as CEO of two companies for a total of over 25 years, as President and COO of an electronics and aerospace company, and as vice president of three additional companies in the semiconductor and IT industry.
He founded and was Chairman, president, and CEO of Bell Microproducts for 22 years. Bell Micro was a $3.5 billion leading value added electronics distribution and manufacturing company marketing a broad range of products. It was acquired by Avnet, Inc in 2010. Well respected among his peers, Mr. Bell gained a reputation for being an innovative strategist and a leader in creative high tech marketing and management.
Mr. Bell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering at the University of Alabama and has held engineering positions in flight and inertial guidance systems, and also in surveillance and communications satellite applications. He was an instructor of engineering principles and applications of inertial navigation systems including the Minuteman missile.
Mr. Bell has been inducted into the Engineering Hall of Fame of the State of Alabama in recognition of his achievements.
Honored as a Distinguished Engineering Fellow by The University of Alabama, Mr. Bell is a member Emeritus of the UA Engineering Leadership Board. He has been active on company boards of directors and charitable organizations including the San Francisco 49ers Foundation, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Bay Area Council, and the Silicon Valley Leadership Group.
Mr. Bell resides in Sedona, Az. with his wife, Lynne. They are the parents of five children.