Valerie Bell is the CEO of Awana, a global, nonprofit ministry with evangelism and discipleship programs for ages 2 to 18 that actively involves parents and church leaders. Valerie speaks across the nation about spiritual formation, marriage, parenting and grandparenting. She has written many magazine articles and published numerous books including A Well-Tended Soul, Nobody’s Children, Getting Out of Your Kids’ Faces and Into Their Hearts, and  An African Awakening: My Journey into AIDS Activism.

Valerie served on the Board of Directors of MOPS International—three years as Board Chair. She served on the Board of Directors for Awana before stepping down to serve as CEO. Valerie is a founding member of the Legacy Coalition and now serves on their board. She is a member of Willow Creek Community Church and is married to Steve, Executive Vice President of Willow Creek Association. They have two grown sons and live in Illinois.