Former Hall County Commissioner Ashley Bell has joined the Republican National Committee as a senior strategist and national director of African-American political engagement, a move that could direct his efforts back home to Georgia. “I didn’t look for this job,” Bell said by phone on Tuesday, adding that it was a “tough decision” and “large challenge.” He plans on splitting his time between Gainesville — Bell said he didn't want to miss football season with his son and time with his daughter — but with the “future of the country at stake” will work out of Washington, D.C. Bell said he plans to work alongside communications and policy experts to ensure “we have an effective plan in all battleground states.”