Based in Newman, California, Russ and his wife, Teri, have deep roots in their community, where they raised their five children and now enjoy time with their six grandchildren. Russ serves as an Elder at Orestimba Presbyterian Church (ECO), the same congregation he has attended since childhood.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Russ entered the industry in 1979 as a technician working with screw compressor packages and associated FES equipment. His leadership in the field is highlighted by his 1995 tenure as National President of the Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association (RETA), where he remains an active member at both the local and national levels.

Today, as an instructor at the NH3 Training Center, Russ bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. He draws on his extensive field experience to instill rigorous safety standards in technicians and operators throughout the industrial ammonia refrigeration industry