WESTCHESTER COUNTY – The Arc Westchester, the largest organization in Westchester County supporting people with developmental disabilities, is proud to announce the appointments of Dan Bell as its new Chief Financial Officer and Melissa Strauss as its new Chief Human Resources Officer. Bell joined the organization earlier this year and Strauss assumed her role on November 10.
Bell, who began his financial career at The Arc – Oneida-Lewis Chapter, brings more than 18 years of nonprofit finance experience, most recently serving as Vice President of Internal Review, Budget and Analysis at Upstate Cerebral Palsy (now Upstate Caring Partners). Throughout his career, he has held progressive leadership positions including Associate Vice President of Accounting/Assistant Controller and Vice President of Finance. He holds both a B.S. in Accounting (summa cum laude) and an MBA in Professional Accountancy from Utica College.
Strauss joins The Arc Westchester following her role as Senior Director of Employee Engagement and Culture at a major renewable energy company, where she led strategic initiatives to strengthen workplace culture, belonging, and employee engagement. Her career spans multiple HR functions across operations and talent development. She is also deeply involved in the Westchester community, serving as President of the Board of Directors for the Westchester Human Resource Management Association and actively contributing to other civic and professional organizations.
