Russ has been a commercial risk management and insurance consultant since 1981 with a focus on emerging life science and technology companies in North Carolina. He founded Med/Tech Assure, LLC in 2009 and has a contractual relationship with Summers Thompson Lowry, Inc. in Chapel Hill, NC through which he places his business. Prior to 2009, he was a Sr. Vice President with Wells Fargo Insurance Services and Acordia of North Carolina. Russ has a deep understanding of the risks involved in R&D and commercialization. His proficiency includes analysis of a client’s business exposures and customizing a risk management and insurance program including property, liability, workers compensation, management liability, life, health and employee benefits.Russ has expanded his purview of technology business to include alternative energy resources and nanotechnology R&D companies. He is helping develop the Gateway University Research Park in Greensboro by consulting emerging nanotechnology-based companies.Russ also brings an extensive network of individuals and organizations that provide other professional services to the life science and technology industries. He is active in North Carolina life science and technology business development as a member of the Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) in the Research Triangle Park since 1984 and a co-founder of the Piedmont/Triad Entrepreneurs Network (PTEN) in 1985. He has been an advocate of, and well known by the North Carolina Biotechnology Center and the North Carolina Biosciences Industry Organization for over two decades. He is also a member of the VentuRealization advisory board in the Triad since 2011. Most recently, he is involved with the NC Center of Innovation for Nanobiotechnology (COIN) consulting nanotech and nanobiotech companies and advocating for the growth of nanotechnology manufacturing in North Carolina.Russ holds a BS degree from Boston University and an MBA from Adelphi University.