Russell has worked in a variety of financial positions, including CFO, for multiple local, statewide, national and international nonprofits for over 13 years. In this time Russell has seen several reoccurring themes that transcend all successful organizations: a financial understanding of decisions, grant management compliance, an understanding of the mission of the organization, and strong donor cultivation and stewardship are all essential for a nonprofit organization to function effectively and to manage the expectations of all stakeholders.
As a Board member for three nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles County, two Charter schools and as the Treasurer for a Statewide Environmental Justice organization, the fiduciary responsibilities are by far the most important part of the job. These include items such as bank reconciliation review, to pre – Audit management meetings with key financial staff, to reviewing the 990 and 199 to ensure accuracy and a clear understanding of the actions of the Executive Director through a financial story. Russell has had the opportunity to attend and participate in multiple board retreats, and has served as a facilitator of discussions regarding staff succession planning, growth potential of the organization, and geospatial information systems to better understand the communities he serves.
Russell’s skill set includes accounting operations with responsibilities that include managing multiple staff sizes, budgeting up to $30 million a year, and supporting the company’s initiatives and growth into the next phase of business. He has also been a mentor to various Accounting staff, with an emphasis on leadership growth. Russell has worked for venerable institutions including Ernst & Young and non-profit organizations such as C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group and 211 LA County. Russell holds a Bachelors degree in Business Administration – Majoring in Management, with a minor in Computer Systems Management from the American University in Dubai – UAE and a Masters in Business Administration from American Intercontinental University.