She is a native of Selma, NC and a product of the public school system, graduating in 1967 as Valedictorian. She received a B.S. degree in Mathematics from Shaw University and an MPA from the University of Georgia. She has completed post-graduate work at the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government and Georgetown University, earning certification as an Executive Leadership Coach.
Distinguishing herself in 1976 by becoming the first African American female manager for the City of Savannah, Carolyn Evelyn Hodges Bell served local government as Central Services Director for thirty-eight (38) years before retiring in 2011.
She has taught several courses in the graduate program in Public Administration at Savannah State University and has taught in the business school of Savannah State. She has also conducted numerous workshops on “problem-solving”, “strategic planning” and “budgeting” and has taught leadership courses to supervisors and managers.
Over the years, she has committed her life to service to the Savannah community and the State of Georgia. In 1998, she became Chairman of the Board of the United Way of the Coastal Empire, a first for an African American in the Agency’s history. She served on the Governor’s Children and Youth Coordinating Council for twelve years. She produces the United Negro College Fund’s annual telethon which benefits education. She is a past president of Gamma Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
Mrs. Bell is also extremely active in the gospel music industry, serving as Co-Chair of the Women’s Division of the Gospel Music Workshop of America and a member of the Board of Directors of Bobby Jones Gospel and one of the show’s co-hosts. As Business Manager of the Georgia Mass Choir, she assisted in coordinating the appearance of the Choir in the filming and appearance of Touchstone Pictures’ ” The Preacher’s Wife” starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington.
She is a member of Grace Full Gospel Church, where she serves on the Minister’s staff. She believes “to whom much is given, much is required”.
In the Community
