Gambrel moved on to an administrative role sometime after he began teaching wherein he oversaw different programs and facilities before ultimately becoming the Bell County superintendent in January of 2020. The timing for this new position, however, was anything but ordinary. Gambrel’s appointment coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought unprecedented challenges to education. As a new superintendent, he was thrust into navigating the complexities of remote learning, ensuring the safety of students and staff, and adapting to rapidly changing circumstances.

[PHOTO: Bell County's multisport softball and soccer field]

Despite the troubles of the pandemic, Gambrel remained steadfast in his commitment to the district. Through these experiences, Gambrel grew as a leader, gaining the skills and perspective needed to lead in times of uncertainty. “It’s just giving the right people the right opportunity is how that happens,” Gambrel explained, emphasizing the importance of empowering others to make a difference during challenging times.

Turning to the present, Gambrel is now preparing for retirement with a new superintendent expected to take on his role by May 1st. Gambrel will, however, be remaining on as a superintendent consultant for two months as the new superintendent settles in. Reflecting on his next chapter, Gambrel shared, “I’m looking forward to new challenges and adventures. I don’t know that I’m finished with education, but I’d like to take a little break from it.”

Outside of his official retirement, he hopes to stay involved in education in other ways such as reading to students during Dr. Seuss week or offering advice to staff in navigating potential challenges. Additionally, Gambrel plans to pursue a new career in HVAC repair, marking a significant career shift as he explores new opportunities in a hands-on trade.

[PHOTO: Bell County's multisport baseball and football field]

As Gambrel prepares to step away from his leadership role, he reflects on the accomplishments that defined his tenure. One of the projects he takes particular pride in is the addition of new multi-purpose fields at Bell County High School. For years, the county had only one football field that served all levels of football as well as soccer. Recognizing the need for expanded facilities, Gambrel led the effort to install high-quality turf on both the baseball and softball fields, transforming them into versatile spaces. The result was two new multi-sport fields — one designed for both baseball and football, and another shared by softball and soccer. Gambrel noted that this dual-use design is only the second of its kind in the state of Kentucky.