In January, Pivotal welcomed our new CEO, Matt Bell. For much of the past two decades, Matt has worked to ensure that marginalized and underserved communities have equal access to education, work, and independent living opportunities. He feels passionately that regardless of socio-economic status, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, or family structure, these fundamental tenets of life should be accessible to all people.  

Most recently, Matt served as Executive Director of Via Services, a 78-year-old nonprofit whose mission is to empower people with developmental disabilities and their families to grow, develop and thrive.  Despite the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its programs, Matt’s successes at Via included the hiring of several key leaders, the development of a new strategic plan, the addition of six new, diverse Board members, and a successful merger with Abilitypath to ensure the organization’s long-term viability.  

Matt’s first formal role in the nonprofit sector was as Chief Operating Officer of Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School and Executive Director of its innovative Corporate Work Study program, where students receive internships at Silicon Valley companies. Matt oversaw operations while growing the Work Study program to nearly 100 partners, generating $3.5 million in revenue to offset the cost of students’ tuition. He also served as Interim President from 2017-2018.  

Prior to his leadership in the nonprofit world, Matt enjoyed a long and successful career in the private sector. In 2014 he completed a 12-year tenure with Blach Construction Company where he served as Vice President of Marketing and a member of the Leadership Team. It was during this time that Matt’s passion for community service began as a Board member of the Nativity Schools of San Jose (2001-2011) and later as a Board member of Via Services (2009-2015). 

Matt resides in Santa Cruz with his two daughters, Grace and Charlotte, along with their beloved furry family members Otis (French Bulldog) and Jimi (cat).   

To learn more about Matt's past service, or connect with him please visit his LinkedIn profile!