He was elected to succeed Roslyn Brock as chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People board of directors on February 18, 2017.

[2][3] Russell spent nearly four decades as the Director of the Office of Human Rights for Pinellas County in Clearwater, Florida, retiring in 2012.

[4][5] For his contributions to the improvement of equality and equity across the United States, Russell has received numerous civic awards and citations.

[22] Russell believes in the well-being of America's children, serving on various boards to ensure their rights are protected.

[25] He spent time in Ohio urging young adults to get engaged in the Civil Rights movement.