Board Member Spotlight- Vaughn Bell


Tell me how you first became involved with Cedar Lake.
My brother Dan has severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our parents came up from Georgia to tour Cedar Lake Lodge as a possibility for Dan to live there. Prior to that, I knew Cedar Lake as a pickup service, but didn’t know the full extent of the organization or the mission. We needed a place for Dan to live, so we immediately put him on the waiting list where he still is listed and waiting. After the tour of Cedar Lake Lodge, Chris Stevenson invited my dad and I to lunch and then I was asked  to serve on the board.

How long have you served on the Board of Directors?
This is my 3rd year serving. I am the incoming Chairman of the the Cedar Lake Foundation Board.

Tell me a little bit about yourself: family, job, hobbies, etc.
I originally moved to Louisville to attend Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I have a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Care. My entire career has been in therapy. I moved into the management side of things in the addiction, substance abuse and psychiatric world. My husband is also in the field as a therapist. I’m a huge connector and love networking with others.

We have 3 kids – my stepson, Taylor is married and lives in Birmingham. He also has a Master of Divinity but is going back to school. My stepdaughter Meredith has her Masters in HR from UofL and just graduated! Jack is the youngest and he is a sophomore at UK with a majoe in geography and a minor in political science.

What is your favorite memory of your time with Cedar Lake?
At the Annual Meeting one year, the Jericho Award was given to a Cedar Lake staff member who took an individual that’s supported through Cedar Lake Residences on a weeklong vacation to visit a town with significant weather events. The individual loves weather and learning about weather events. The fact that this administrative staff member went above and beyond was touching.

What’s your favorite annual event?
The Annual Meeting where the Jericho Friend Award is given out.

Anything else you’d like to share?
An organization’s mission is important to me on a personal level. I have the business acumen and connections to bring to the Board, but the mission of Cedar Lake is what is important to me while serving in this role. You can tell that the mission is important and upheld at Cedar Lake.
My parents decided to move to Louisville because of Cedar Lake Lodge and the level of care that we are hoping my brother will be able to have.