Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has formally recognized Jill Bell as a member of its Board of Directors.
An executive who joined the board in August 2025, Bell offers decades of strategic expertise to help HSB deliver its vital, free-of-charge services to Santa Barbara County, HSB said.
Bell has more than 30 years’ experience as an engineer, consultant, senior executive, and executive coach within Fortune 100 and Inc. 500 companies.
She has provided strategic and organizational advice and coaching to senior and C-suite leaders across an array of industries, including oil and gas, aerospace and defense, healthcare, education, banking, insurance, and information technology.
Bell is passionate about helping leaders and executive teams create positive, purpose-driven, and wisdom-based cultures to meet their strategic objectives, deliver tangible results, and enhance the lives of their employees, communities, and the world, HSB said,
After discovering HSB’s comprehensive bereavement counseling and support services, Bell said she knew she wanted to contribute to the mission.
Having attended Light up a Life ceremonies and talking to friends who have served on the board, volunteered or been on staff, Bell wanted to actively participate in HSB’s mission to provide free services to those in our community who are in need of them.
“I’m deeply honored to join Hospice of Santa Barbara’s Board of Directors, an organization that holds personal meaning for me after I was widowed at 40,” Bell said.
“While my family, friends, and the Santa Barbara community supported my children and me in extraordinary ways, I often reflect on how meaningful HSB’s professional support and connection could have been during that time had I been aware of HSB’s services,” she said.
“Over the years, witnessing the profound impact of HSB’s counselors, staff and volunteers has only deepened my respect for its mission of caring for anyone experiencing the impact of serious illness or grieving the death of a loved one free of charge,” Bell said.
‘I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute my career and executive coaching experience in strategy, healthcare and leadership to help extend that support to others.” she said.
“Jill understands that the strength of our services depends on a healthy, mission-focused organization,” said David Selberg, CEO of Hospice of Santa Barbara.
“By applying her extensive consulting background to our board, she is helping HSB navigate its growth while staying true to our core commitment of providing free, compassionate care to every member of our community who needs us,” he said.
Hospice of Santa Barbara was founded in 1974, making it the second-oldest hospice organization in the country. It employs about 50 staff and some 100 volunteers who serve 2,100 people with direct services and hundreds more with training classes, workshops, education, and outreach events.
All services provided by the organization are free of charge and are also offered in Spanish.