Russell is a San Diego-based nonprofit leader and retired higher education administrator with extensive experience in strategic initiatives, housing development, facilities management, and community engagement. He previously served as a Project Advisor to the Office of the Chancellor at the University of California San Diego, following leadership roles in Housing, Dining, and Hospitality, where he contributed to large-scale renovation and construction projects. Russell has been an active civic leader, serving as President of the Rotary Club of La Jolla, President of the San Diego Jazz Party, and Board Chair of Malashock Dance Company.

He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Arts Management from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a certificate in Fundraising and Development from the University of California San Diego.