Mary Quinnie Bell is a founding member and past President of the Arts in McNairy (AiM) Board of Directors. Quinnie and husband, Dr. Ron Bell, have worn many hats in rural arts advocacy over the years, both serving many terms on the AiM Board, heading key program and development committee. Quinnie’s family is deeply engrained in the traditional music and dance traditions of Southwest TN, and she is, herself, a painter, glass artist and occasionally buck dancer—when the mood strikes.

Quinnie holds degrees in Interior Design, Family Life (Weber State, Ogden UT) and Marketing Management (Union University, Jackson TN). She is retired from a 25-year career as Executive Director of McNairy County Development Services, a nonprofit agency providing day and residential services for adults living with developmental disabilities. In that capacity, Quinnie served multiple terms on the boards of Community Rehabilitation Agencies of Tennessee and Tennessee Community Organizations, where she was known for her spirited advocacy for rural communities.

Quinnie has two grown sons and five grandchildren, who occupy much of her free time, along with continuing service to her church, community and the local creative sector.