Bill Ells joined ASTM International and its pedestrian/walkway safety and footwear committee (F13) in 1998. He is currently a member of the F13 executive committee and has also served as its vice chair and as a subcommittee officer. In 2013, the committee honored Ells with the Award of Merit for his service and commitment to safety standards for footwear.

He has also received a Service Award and Outstanding Leadership Award for his term on the Committee on Standards. Involved in the design, development, and production of footwear and sole materials for military, industrial, and outdoor use, Ells has been with Vibram since 2010. He previously worked in sales at American Biltrite Inc. and Quabaug Corp.

In addition to ASTM International, Ells is a member of the board of the American Apparel and Footwear Association. He is also a member of the Canadian Standards Association and serves as the secretary of the U.S. Department of Defense footwear technical committee.