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Hall of Leaders

SAVE THE DATE: 

Best of Direct Gala
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
National Housing Center in Washington, DC!  

Best of Direct is a fantastic recognition award event, as well as a great kick-off party for the holiday season! It’s a phenomenal way to celebrate the year-end with colleagues and friends, as well as looking forward to a new year!

John Bell

2023 HALL OF LEADERS AWARD RECIPIENT:

John Bell
Vice President of Sales, MMI Direct

Marvin Dawson, Vice President of MMI Direct has this to say about John… “…I have been so thankful to be a teammate of John’s for over 30 years. No one has more energy – which goes without saying – and dedication than John. He is the first person to give credit to others and not take any for himself… which is actually kind of annoying… He likes to say ‘I’m the lunch guy’ and all of these other people are the ones that get everything done. 

John is the glue that keeps MMI Direct connected to everyone and everything outside of our four walls. The honor that is being bestowed on John by the DMAW is so well deserved… I’m just sorry I can’t be there tonight to help with this celebration of John. Go Blue!”

John's life, as captured by Marvin's quote, reflects the essence of a man who defied expectations and embraced a journey uniquely his own. With three older sisters, John enjoyed the luxury of no hand-me-downs and the freedom to carve his distinctive path. Post-graduation from the University of Michigan, his initial plans for bartending and carefree travel took an unexpected turn.

Guided by a nudge from his father, John's career unfolded into a trajectory that not only shaped his professional identity but also introduced him to Laurie, his lifelong travel partner and future wife. Landing at Wiland and Associates in Alexandria, VA marked a pivotal moment, setting the stage for a flourishing direct marketing career. His subsequent role with PSA brought him to Los Angeles, where his second enduring partnership, this time professional, blossomed with Marvin Dawson.

The duo's move to MMI Direct marked a strategic decision to focus on their strengths – data hygiene and processing – while dedicating efforts to serving the nonprofit sector. The success of MMI Direct was sealed when they joined the PMG family in 2009, a move that reflected foresight and a commitment to sustained growth.

John's dedication to philanthropy knows no bounds. Joining the DMFA board in 2007, he continues to contribute his time and expertise. In 2010, alongside David Whitehead and Tracy Lea, he assumed control of the Bridge Conference sponsorship committee, steering it for seven years and consistently growing revenues.

In 2013, John's leadership shone as he became the overall co-chair of the 8th Annual Bridge Conference, overseeing remarkable growth in attendance, sponsorships, and exhibits. His involvement extended to the DMA Nonprofit Federation (now ANA Nonprofit Federation), where he generously shared his time and expertise.

A key player in the nonprofit sector, John, alongside industry leaders, played an integral role in establishing The Nonprofit Alliance in 2018. This organization embodies the very principles that John, a man of action, lives by – promoting, protecting, and strengthening the nonprofit sector.

Driven by a passion for education and mentorship, John's legacy includes the creation of DM101 over 15 years ago, a program attended by over 2,500 young professionals in DC and NY. DMAW has benefited from this program at least 14 times. His contributions extend to DM201, attended by 1,500, and a Production Seminar in NY and Boston.

Reflecting on John Bell's journey, one finds a man who defies conventional narratives and paves his own way. His story is a testament to the power of individuality, resilience, and a commitment to making a lasting impact.

Previous DMAW Hall of Leaders Award Recipients

2022
Tracy Lea, CFRE

2021
Roger Hiyama

2019
Tiffany Neill

2018
Kate Carr

2017
Allison Porter

2016
Greg Adams

2015
Rick Powell

2014
Rob Rudderow Jr.

2014
Geoffrey Peters

2013
Hal Malchow

2012
Greg Albright

2011
George McDonnell

2010
Syma Mendelsohn

2009
Rick Whelan

2008
Jinny Fleischman

2007
Denny Byrne

2006
George Lizama

2005
Jonah Gitlitz*

2004
Karen Depew

2003
Jean Gianfagna

2002
Liz Murphy

2001
Charles Cadigan

2000
Patricia Silver

1999
Linda L. Fisher

1998
Michael O'Hara*

1997
Sherry Marshall

1996
Shephen H. Winchell

1995
James V. Bullard

1994
James Prendergast*

1993
William T. Armistead*

1992
Catherine R. Lincoln

1991
Lu Corbett Daly

1990
C. David Wallace

1989
Jordan M. Lowenstein*

1988
Kathryn A. Smiley

1987
Austin Kiplinger*

1986
Roger Craver

1985
M. Virginia Daly

1984
Kate Petranech

1983
James G. Aldige III

1982
Thomas M. Beers*

1981
Ed* and Clyde Sisk

1980
John Murchake*

1979: John Carlin*

1978: Gwen Fitzpatrick*

1977: Paddy Skinder

1976: Bob Ames*

1975: Robert Warfel*

1974: Eileen Charney*

1973: Orville Shirey*

1972: Richard Viguerie

1971: Dorothy Kerr

1970: Roland Kuniholm*

1969: John Jay Daly*

1968: Jim Dimond

1967: Stan Mayes*

1966: Edwin Riley*

1965: Ralph Ives*

1964: Ferd Nauheim*

1963: Guy Yolton*

1962: Anthony Gould*

1961: Jack Fauntleroy

1960: Troy Rodlum*

1959: Boyce Morgan*

1958: Rodney Daffer*