Russ was born in Norfolk and is a 1987 graduate of Norfolk Public Schools. Russ holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and Economics from Dana College in Blair, Nebraska and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of South Dakota.Russ is involved in many community boards and organizations. He currently serves on the Midwest Bank Board of Directors, Norfolk Area Economic Development Foundation Board, Lutheran Community Hospital Board, Lutheran High Northeast School Board, Chamber Action Council and serves as a Chamber Ambassador.Russ is a Realtor Consultant/Owner of Real Estate Solutions Team with his wife Kim. He specializes in commercial buildings and lots and agricultural land. He also has 27 years of experience in banking.He and his wife Kim have three children, Alec and Emily, who are in college at Drake University, and Conner who attends Luther High Northeast in Norfolk.