Highflier Healthcare Executive to Strengthen Foundation’s Impact
The Farmingdale College Foundation Board has announced the recent appointment of new Board Director Steve Bello, senior vice president, regional executive director, and market president of Northwell Health. Bello will be replacing outgoing board member Joseph Moscola of the Northwell Health System.
The Farmingdale College Foundation was established in 1969 to support the mission of Farmingdale State College (FSC). With a dedication to changing lives and building futures, the Foundation engages alumni, employees, friends, corporations, foundations, and the Long Island business community as strategic partners in raising critical funds for Farmingdale State College and its students.
A seasoned healthcare executive, Bello has served Long Island for over twenty years, and in his current Northwell role since March 2019. He is responsible for operational and strategic oversight of Northwell’s Eastern Region assets including seven acute care facilities, one inpatient behavioral health facility, six ambulatory surgery centers, six imaging centers, 12,000 employees including nearly 500 medical doctors over almost 130 practice locations and a regional capital budget of nearly $1 billion over 24 months.
“Steve is a brilliant industry leader who brings an unparalleled passion for community service, invaluable regional knowledge and a powerful commitment to FSC’s mission,” said Vice President of Development and Alumni Engagement Matthew Colson. “I look forward to collaborating with him as we elevate the Foundation’s reach and impact.”
Bello also had a key role in instituting Northwell’s Food as Health Program, the first hospital-based initiative in New York State to comprehensively address food insecurity among patients. The program, a partnership that includes Island Harvest, Long Island Cares Inc. (LI Cares), The Harry Chapin Food Bank, God’s Love We Deliver, US Foods, and Baldor, addresses a full range of factors that can lead to food insecurity—including affordability issues, a lack of nutritional awareness, transportation and mobility challenges, and difficulty in preparing meals.
“Our food insecurity program is something I’ve been very involved in, and I’m really proud of,” said Bello. “It has made a substantial and lasting difference in the health of people in our community.”
Growing up as one of five siblings in Carle Place, Bello learned the importance of education and community involvement. “I come from a family of educators,” said Bello, who now lives in Melville. “In my house, you either went into education or healthcare. My parents believed in careers that gave back to people. I think it comes down to giving people the tools they need to be successful in life. Whether it’s education or healthcare, it’s about trying to help people in the ways we can help.”
For Bello, it is “an incredible privilege,” to join the Farmingdale College Foundation Board of Directors, where he hopes to continue giving philanthropically, raising FSC’s profile both locally and regionally, and supporting the incredible work of John S. Nader, PhD, president of FSC.
“Get involved,” Bello said for those looking to promote positive changes in their community. “Get to know what’s around you and find areas where you can make an impact.”
For more information, please visit the Farmingdale College Foundation Board webpage.
