Johnell Bell is the Founder and CEO of Espousal Strategies. A seasoned strategist, facilitator, and policy advisor, Johnell brings over 20 years of experience leading high-impact initiatives that expand economic opportunity, strengthen communities, and improve public systems. His work spans the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, helping organizations navigate complex challenges with clarity and purpose.
Johnell founded Espousal Strategies to help clients build stronger relationships with the communities they serve and ensure public investments deliver broad-based benefits. Under his leadership, the firm has grown to support major infrastructure projects, civic engagement efforts, and policy initiatives across the country. Johnell provides hands-on strategy and support for Espousal Strategies clients, including roles as facilitator for the Community Advisory Board for the Ballmer Institute at the University of Oregon and the Community Advisory Group for the City of Seattle’s Equitable Transit Oriented Development program.
In addition to leading Espousal Strategies, Johnell serves as Fair Access Officer for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. His past roles include State Field Director for U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Director of Diversity and Transit Equity at TriMet, where he oversaw a record $150 million in contracts to disadvantaged business enterprises during construction of the Orange Line. Johnell is a trusted partner to elected officials, agency leaders, and community advocates alike. His approach is rooted in collaboration, accountability, and a deep belief that communities thrive when everyone has a seat at the table and a voice in shaping the outcome.
Johnell holds a BS in Business Administration from Concordia University and a master's degree in Public Administration from Portland State University. He is a board member for the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) and chair of COMTO’s small business committee.