Russ grew up on a 120-acre centennial farm in Tuscola County. Russ began working for the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprentice as State Director in August of 2011.Before that, Russ spent 30 years with General Motors Flint V-8 Engine Plant as a Toolmaker and a Process Control Analyst. While working at GM, Russ attained his Master’s Degree in Vocational Education from Ferris State University. He spent 13 years with Delta College as a Skilled training Manager, Business Solutions Specialist and an instructor in the apprenticeship program.
While at Delta, Russ developed and promoted the pre-apprentice programs in the technical areas. He helped define programs aimed at women and minorities in the skilled trades’ areas. Russ was also part of a curriculum committee for the RCAR (Road Construction Apprentice Readiness) and ECAR (Energy Construction Apprentice Readiness) for the State of Michigan with the construction trades.
Russ was vice chair with Great Lakes Bay Manufacturers Association (GLBMA), past vice chair with Michigan Apprentice Steering Committee Incorporated (MASCI) and the past chair for Michigan Educators’ Apprentice Training Association (MEATA).
Russ is married to Rory. They have 2 daughters with 4 grandsons.
Russ enjoys hunting, fishing, golf and all four seasons in the great State of Michigan.
