Samantha Bell leads coaching-driven culture in public service

By AI, Created 11:41 AM UTC, June 04, 2026, /AGP/ – Samantha Bell, an Oroville-based administration supervisor at the California Department of Water Resources, is being profiled for her 15-plus years in public service and her coaching-based approach to leadership. Her work spans government, nonprofit, and coaching roles, with a focus on employee development, workplace culture, and helping people grow into purpose-driven leaders.

Why it matters: - Samantha Bell’s work sits at the intersection of public service leadership and workforce development. - Her coaching-based management style is aimed at improving employee engagement, trust, and team performance. - Bell’s career also reflects a growing emphasis on leadership models that prioritize authenticity, mentorship, and professional growth.

What happened: - Bell is an Administration Supervisor in Oroville, California, at the California Department of Water Resources. - She has more than 15 years of experience across government and nonprofit sectors. - Influential Women published a profile highlighting her leadership background, coaching practice, and public service career. - Bell is the founder of AVI Coaching, where she works with individuals on authenticity, confidence, and purpose-driven leadership.

The details: - Bell earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Global and Multicultural Studies from Montana State University. - She studied abroad for a year in Marseille, France, during college. - She later taught English at LeoLingo Sprachcamps für Kinder in Germany. - Bell said those international experiences strengthened her communication, adaptability, and leadership skills. - After graduating during the 2009 recession, she began working in Washington, D.C., first in the service industry. - Bell met professionals from USAID, NASA, and other public service organizations before moving into government work. - She later worked on Capitol Hill. - Bell earned a Master of Public Administration. - She completed Leadership and Performance Coaching training through ACT at Brown University. - Bell also earned her Associate Certified Coach credential through the International Coaching Federation. - Her career has included work with the Burton K. Wheeler Center for Public Affairs at Montana State University, the office of U.S. Senator Jon Tester of Montana, Chico Velo Cycling Club, and 3CORE. - Bell received the Erma Lessel Collins Award early in her career. - She is also a certified 200-hour yoga instructor.

Between the lines: - Bell’s profile shows how public-sector leadership can be shaped by coaching, cross-cultural experience, and mission-driven work. - Her approach favors active listening, site visits, meaningful conversations, and individualized support over traditional top-down management. - Bell frames success as the ability to build relationships, mentor others, and create positive impact rather than simply collect titles or awards. - She argues that effective leadership starts with self-leadership and personal growth.

What’s next: - Bell says she wants to keep helping organizations build workplace cultures that use employee strengths, encourage innovation, and support development. - She plans to continue expanding her impact through both leadership roles and AVI Coaching. - Bell also encourages young women entering government and nonprofit careers to stay curious, adaptable, and open to unexpected opportunities. - Outside work, Bell remains focused on family, homesteading, gardening, outdoor activities, and ongoing personal learning.

The bottom line: - Samantha Bell’s profile centers on a leadership style built on coaching, service, and connection, with a goal of helping people and organizations reach their potential. - Readers can learn more through Samantha Bell’s Influential Women profile.