Address: 16 Digital Dr., Ste. 130, Novato 94949; 415-382-9083; okizu.org
Age: 74
Residence: Novato
Professional background: Supervisor and then Vice President of Matson Lines and Pacific Far East Line Steamship Travel. Founder and Chairman of Golden Bear Travel, retired.
Education: Bachelor of Arts, San Francisco State (Liberal Arts)
Staff size: 10 salaried, 670 volunteers
Describe your organization.
The mission of Okizu is to provide peer support, respite, mentoring, and recreational programs to meet the needs of all members of families affected by childhood cancer.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
[caption id="attachment_65010" align="alignleft" width="200"] Jim Bell[/caption]
I have five children and four grandchildren, all in Marin County. Most of my time is spent fundraising for Okizu and being at camp to facilitate group discussions and fish with the kids.
What is your role in the organization?
Board of Directors Chairman
What achievement are you most proud of?
I am very proud of the number of former campers who come back every year to help us out. It shows the effect we had on changing their lives for the better.
What is your biggest challenge today?
Our biggest challenge is that more children get diagnosed with cancer each year so we must keep expanding and finding new funding.
What the next major project either under way or on the horizon?
We need to build meeting rooms to have smaller groups and more effective discussions, an administration building, and an Arts and Crafts Center.
What product or service would/or is helping you do your job more effectively?
The continuing support of our families and those we serve in raising funds, making others aware of us, and helping to recruit.
How do you think your profession will change in the next five years?
It will change in that we will have about 5% more families each year, so growing numbers of those who need our services is the biggest issue.
Most admired businessperson outside your organization: Warren Hellman
Current reading: Science fiction
Most want to meet: Bill Clinton
Stress relievers: Running
Favorite hobbies: Gardening
Words that best describe you: Focused, happy, and responsive
