Tommy Bell is in his first year as the Director of Athletics at IPFW. Before coming to IPFW, Bell was the Constituent Development Officer for the Saluki's Department of Athletics from October 2001 to June 2006. As the Director of Athletic Development, Bell oversaw a staff of two that managed all fundraising efforts within the department. He established the Saluki Athletic Scholarship Fund in the Fall of 2002 and increased that fund by over 100%.

Bell also led the SIU Athletic Department's comprehensive capital campaign efforts for The Opportunity Through Excellence: The Campaign For Southern. This project facilitated the first phases of the proposed "Saluki Way" master facility plan.

Bell received his undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech in 1979 and his Master of Science in Education from Radford University in 1987.

His previous development experience was at Northern Illinois University as Assistant Athletic Director for Development from 1990 to 1999. He also served as Head Athletic Trainer at Radford University in Virginia from 1980 to 1984 and then serving full time as athletic trainer for the Philadelphia Phillies AAA affiliate Portland Beavers from 1984-1987.

Tommy and his wife Laurie have two children; Joey (22) and Courtney (20), both are attending SIU.