Prevent Child Abuse Iowa names Greg Bellville as Executive Director

Prevent Child Abuse Iowa is pleased to announce Greg Bellville as its next executive director beginning June 24. Bellville brings more than 10 years of leadership in behavioral health and substance abuse treatment through both for-profit and nonprofit organizations in rural and urban settings in Iowa and Utah. Current executive director Liz Cox has accepted a position at Polk County Health Services.

“On behalf of PCA Iowa’s board, I am thrilled to welcome Greg Bellville as the next executive director,” said Katheryn Thorson, board president. “Greg brings a strong track record of nonprofit leadership and management, including representation to various governmental agencies, task forces, business, conferences, and universities. We’re very excited for Greg’s leadership and passion for healthy childhoods for Iowa’s kids.”

As executive director, Bellville will provide strategic direction in PCA Iowa’s efforts to build awareness, promote advocacy and provide assistance to community partners reaching 40,000 children each year. He will serve as the voice for child abuse prevention and adolescent pregnancy prevention among state leaders and with the media, manage eight staff members, and advance PCA Iowa’s partnerships with community groups statewide.

“It is an honor to join PCA Iowa and continue to build thriving and resilient communities through prevention,” Bellville said. “I cannot imagine a worthier cause than helping to protect the children of Iowa. I look forward to building on this organization’s achievements to strengthen Iowa families to build a healthier Iowa.”

Bellville most recently served as Deputy Director for Bridges of Iowa, working to engage and unify elected officials, leaders, policy makers, and community organizations to make positive and lasting change. He is a Certified Lean Practitioner, Six Sigma Green Belt, Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and an Eagle Scout. Bellville is also a member of the Board of Directors for St. Catherine of Siena and Central Iowa Trail Association.

Over Cox’s tenure, PCA Iowa has been at the forefront of working to address the problems derived from child abuse through its signature statewide child abuse prevention program, established a new program in Community Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention, and expanded the Connections Matter curriculum to several additional states. PCA Iowa has been positioned as a national example for developing a child abuse prevention response to The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study.

“I look forward to a successful transition,” Cox said. “With a great team in place, the organization is well-positioned to be a leading voice for prevention in Iowa for the long term.”