Russell has been helping governments innovate and improve their operations through the cutting-edge application of technology for more than 25 years. Working in both the public and private sectors, he has created, installed and supported advanced applications and technology for local governments serving hundreds of thousands of citizens and customers across the United States.
Most recently, he has concentrated on implementing the Mayor’s aggressive roadmap for digital business improvements as the CTO and Director of Information Services for the City of Tampa. With a priority on getting the right tools and technology for expanded service, improved reliability, and open data sharing for the departments he serves, the City has implemented and upgraded more systems in the past five years than the 15 before.
Russell has a bachelor of business administration degree with a major in management from Florida Atlantic University. He trained in performance management with a past Florida Governor’s Sterling Award winner and is a past examiner for Illinois Performance Excellence (ILPEx), an organization that assists governments, hospitals, manufacturers and other businesses to implement the continuous improvement management model using the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence.
When he’s not at work, he’s probably out on a long run, training for the next Gasparilla Distance Classic.