Michael Russell brings extensive experience regarding how Washington works (and sometimes doesn’t) from a 30-year career of distinguished Federal service, with senior appointments in the Executive Branch and on Capitol Hill, and multiple roles in academia. He has held executive management positions and operated at the intersection of policy, politics, and process regarding both domestic and international issues.Mr. Russell’s expertise includes international engagement, homeland security, legislative process, policy development, political analysis, program administration, strategic planning, budget/appropriations, grants, and law.In the international arena, his policy roles regarded foreign affairs; development; cyber; treaties; international organizations, trade, and law enforcement; and extensive travel, including staffing Congressional Delegations to Asia, Central and South America, Europe, and Africa.Mr. Russell’s academic experience includes serving as a university professor, university senior fellow, law school visiting fellow, guest lecturer, college alumni board president, and volunteer career advisor. Throughout his career, Mr. Russell exhibits strong leadership skills; ingenuity and creativity in assessing and solving complex challenges; a record of new initiatives; and flexibility to serve in a wide range of roles. In the Executive Branch, he served in four Cabinet departments, including as Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary for Enforcement Policy & Budget. In the U.S. Senate, he managed the legislative and foreign affairs agendas for two Senators and staffed three subcommittees. He then served for eight years on the House Homeland Security Committee, including as Staff Director & Chief Counsel. He also volunteered on multiple political campaigns.Mr. Russell received his B.A. from Gettysburg College, M.A. from Vanderbilt University, and J.D. from Vanderbilt Law School. He is admitted to the Bars of DC, Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
