James D. "JD" Bell, Jr.

In 1991, JD received a Bachelor of Science in economics from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Following temporary duty assignments in Annapolis, JD chose to pursue a career in the Navy Supply Corps, the branch of the Navy that manages budgets, inventory, and contracts.

In 1993, after attending the Navy Supply Corps School in Athens, Georgia, and the Navy Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut, JD reported to the USS Olympia, a nuclear attack submarine based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as its supply officer. He served in that role for three years and earned the Submarine Squadron 11 Blue “E” for supply excellence, and in 1995 received the prestigious Batchelder Award, an award that recognizes just five supply officers annually “who have made significant contributions to the supply readiness of the Navy’s operating forces.” JD left the Navy upon completion of his tour on the USS Olympia in June of 1996 and came home to work for his father at EPE.

Since 1996, JD has held several management positions at EPE in the areas of purchasing, manufacturing, and programs. As the company’s IT manager, he assisted with the transition to a Windows-based network and new business operating software. In 2000, he served as vice president of operations and oversaw the company’s manufacturing, engineering, quality, and materials functions. In 2007 he was promoted to president, and in 2008, to the president and chief executive officer.