Bell joins Senior Executive Service

Photo By Matthew Montgomery | Keisha Dawn Bell, Defense Contract Management Agency deputy general counsel, watches as her sister pins on her pin during her SES appointment ceremony held at the Fort Lee. Va., headquarters.  

POWHATAN, VA, UNITED STATES

02.03.2015

Story by Matthew Montgomery 

Defense Contract Management Agency

FORT LEE, Va. — Keisha Dawn Bell, Defense Contract Management Agency deputy general counsel, recently joined the Senior Executive Service during an appointment ceremony held at the Fort Lee headquarters.

Air Force Lt. Gen. Wendy Masiello, DCMA director, officiated the ceremony and highlighted the importance of the SES core, and why Bell was chosen for the honor. “People have described Bell as a great leader, a great communicator, a great bridge builder, team builder and encourager,” said Masiello.

“She’s also been described as a person who really gets things done,” continued Masiello. “When you look at her family and understand where she came from, it’s all about being respectful to people, learning your job and helping others succeed. I think these skills and experiences are what helped her move into this new elite group.”

SES professionals lead the federal workforce. They are the keystone of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 which was established to “…ensure that the executive management of the Government of the United States is responsive to the needs, policies, and goals of the Nation and otherwise is of the highest quality.” With her induction, Bell joins the more than 7,000 other SES leaders who possess well-honed executive skills and share a broad perspective on government, as well as a public service commitment that is grounded in the Constitution.

“Being a member of this group is a huge responsibility because they serve as a bridge between our elected officials and the agencies they represent,” said Masiello. It takes work to be an SES, just the application process alone makes you demonstrate skills relating to leadership, change management, results, business acumen and coalition building.

Bell, a native of Powhatan, Virginia, received her Bachelor of Arts in economics/business from Randolph-Macon College where she was an honors program graduate and an All-American basketball player. She received her Juris Doctor from the T.C. William School of Law, University of Richmond, where she was a member of the Moot Court Board and recipient of the Bureau of National Affairs Law Student Award.

She is also a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute’s Leadership for a Democratic Society Program. Bell attributes her success to family, teachers and mentors who supported and guided her throughout her career.

“I am both humbled and thankful to return to the Richmond area and have the opportunity to serve as a member of the SES at Fort Lee — a place about an hour from where I grew up,” said Bell. “This chapter of my life’s story would not have been possible without a host of supporting cast, some known and others unknown to me.”

Bell, the youngest of five children, credited her parents for paving the way for her family by teaching the power of faith, the importance of integrity and service, and showing by example how to live a meaningful life – a life of purpose. She also credited her siblings for blazing paths that made it easier for her to dream big and pursue those dreams. “Because of my family’s unwavering support, I’ve always had the courage to take untraveled paths and extend the bridges of opportunity for others.”

Bell is currently serving as acting general counsel, since the announced retirement of Sharron J. Philo.

“I’m excited about being a member of such an incredible DCMA team,” said Bell. “We are a team deeply rooted in the principles instilled in me as a child and nurtured throughout my adulthood – a team rooted in the principles of integrity and service . . . and there is no doubt in my mind that with our diverse talent and dedication that we will rise to general Masiello’s challenge to pursue greatness.”

“It is a privilege to work with so many talented people within the Office of General Counsel, and the agency as a whole, who are committed public servants,” continued Bell. “I’m proud to be one of your leaders. I’m committed to doing my part and I’m equally committed to helping us all achieve greatness.”

• Date Taken: 02.03.2015
• Date Posted: 02.03.2015 14:08
• Story ID: 153397
• Location: POWHATAN, VA, US