Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Publications and Features
Community Engagement and Board of Directors
Timeline
Generic

Angela R. Russell

Madison,WI

Summary

Energetic, highly motivated, innovative, and results-driven leader with 25 years of professional experience. Strong strategic thinker, team builder, problem solver, and public speaker. Skilled in developing and maintaining key stakeholder and community partnerships. Continuous learner and works to integrate the practice of compassion, kindness, and laughter into day-to-day work. Interested in working together to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live up to their fullest potential.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

President

TruStage Foundation
Madison, Wisconsin
01.2024 - Current
  • Working with the the executive director and Foundation board members, establish overall strategy and priorities for philanthropic giving and partnership.
  • Collaborate with executive director to prepare board meeting agendas and materials.
  • Facilitate board meetings and strategic planning sessions to drive organizational goals.
  • Provide leadership on budgeting decisions, including grant-making and social investments. Average annual budget is $4M.
  • Monitored Foundation's investments in coordination with finance team.
  • Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders, including TruStage executives. employees, and community leaders.
  • Conducted performance evaluations for executive director to ensure accountability.
  • Assisted in recruitment and orientation of qualified new board members.

Chief Diversity Officer

TruStage
Madison, Wisconsin
10.2021 - Current
  • Direct team of 13 FTE focused on enhancing workforce diversity and community engagement. Ensure that all team members have opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Oversee the management of signature TruStage DEI programs, including Engagement Resource Groups, Inclusion Institute, Early in Career Rotation Program, DEI Learning Series, Community Impact Day, and Community Giving Campaign.
  • Created and led a cross-functional leadership team that monitors the sociopolitical environment regarding the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and makes recommendations on pivots and adjustments as appropriate.
  • Regularly deliver updates on DEI advancements to the TruStage Board of Directors.
  • Use data to track progress toward DEI goals, and continue to learn about employee needs and experiences.
  • Engage with external partners, such as relevant national trade groups, government regulators, and community organizations, to build relationships that support organizational objectives related to DEI.
  • Serve as a key media spokesperson for DEI, serve as a thought leader, and a regular public speaker for DEI in the credit union industry.
  • Partner with the Human Resources department on hiring and retention processes, talent development, and benefits that promote a diverse and inclusive workplace environment.
  • Advise and coach executive leadership on ways to continually build an inclusive work culture.
  • Stay abreast of current trends in diversity initiatives across the financial services industry.
  • Created the Credit Union DEI Advisory Services consulting practice for the DEI team.
  • In 2024, the TruStage DEI Team was recognized as being one of the top 10 DEI teams globally with the OnConferences OnCon Icon Top 10 DEI award.

Vice President, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

TruStage
Madison, Wisconsin
01.2018 - 10.2021
  • Established and led new DEI team, integrating diversity and inclusion with corporate social responsibility units.
  • Focused on centering equity in the corporate social responsibility and philanthropic operating models.
  • Collaborated with Engagement Resource Groups and HR to maintain an enterprise-wide sense of belonging during the pandemic.
  • Guided department team members through feedback, performance evaluation, and talent management processes.
  • Provided strategic direction for training initiatives on cultural competency, gender differences, disability, sexual harassment, and other topics designed to increase awareness and support for equity and inclusion.
  • Gave numerous presentations on diversity and inclusive leadership, both internally and externally, including at the World Council of Credit Unions international conference in Singapore.

Director, Diversity & Inclusion

TruStage
Madison, Wisconsin
01.2017 - 12.2017
  • Served as the diversity and inclusion subject matter expert, and led a team of professionals that specialize in diversity and inclusion learning, skills building, transformation, and impact.
  • Chaired DEI Council and core team, guiding overall direction and priorities.
  • Actively worked to integrate the concepts of equity, systemic change, and workforce strategy, policies, and communications.
  • Directed establishment of TruStage affinity group ecosystem to foster inclusivity.
  • Oversaw the diversity and inclusion undergraduate case competition.
  • In collaboration with insights and analytics, we established the diversity and inclusion workforce research and analytics agenda.
  • Lead the creation of the Inclusion Institute—a TruStage-specific 6-week cohort learning experience on diversity and inclusion.
  • Launched first diversity and inclusion internship at TruStage to cultivate future leaders.
  • Launched the Early in Career Rotation Program.

Manager, Diversity & Inclusion

TruStage
Madison, Wisconsin
05.2015 - 12.2016
  • Established full-time diversity and inclusion role at TruStage, serving as inaugural hire.
  • Developed comprehensive multi-year D&I strategy for enterprise-wide implementation.
  • Led establishment and oversight of diversity working groups, committees, and councils.
  • Created foundational structure for TruStage affinity groups to promote inclusivity.
  • Partnered with talent acquisition to analyze employment metrics, identifying focus areas for improvement.
  • Collaborated with senior leaders to embed equity practices in workplace policies.
  • Expanded D&I team by creating and hiring two new professional roles.
  • Launched D&I Learning Series to enhance cultural competence across the organization.

Health Equity Coordinator

Public Health Madison & Dane County
Madison, Wisconsin
11.2013 - 05.2015
  • Advised PHMDC leadership on incorporating health and racial equity principles organization-wide.
  • Strengthened organizational capacity to tackle health equity through staff leadership development.
  • Created comprehensive health and racial equity curriculum for professional development initiatives.
  • Evaluated equity and social justice materials for inclusion in PHMDC training programs.
  • Performed health equity analyses on communication materials to enhance messaging effectiveness.
  • Delivered regular trainings and presentations on racial equity to diverse internal and external audiences.
  • Facilitated a series of dialogues on racial equity within PHMDC to promote discussion and understanding.
  • Co-led Dane County Racial Equity and Social Justice Initiative, integrating equity concepts across county operations.

Community Engagement Lead, County Health Rankings

Population Health Institute, UW-Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
02.2011 - 11.2013
  • Created and executed community engagement strategy for annual County Health Rankings release.
  • Served as a key media spokesperson for health rankings.
  • Delivered training and technical assistance to communities nationwide on utilizing rankings for policy change and public health improvement.
  • Facilitated nationwide webinar series for County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
  • Coordinated liaison activities between Rankings & Roadmaps program and National Association of Counties.
  • Contributed as a member of Rankings & Roadmaps management team.

Division Adminstrator

Department of Children and Families
Madison, Wisconsin
09.2010 - 12.2010
  • Led Division of Early Care and Education upon appointment by Governor Doyle, prioritizing child care quality rating system rollout.
  • Implemented strategies to combat fraud, waste, and abuse within Wisconsin Shares program.
  • Regulated Wisconsin child care landscape with responsibility for $365 million division and 120 staff members.
  • Managed distribution of $340 million funding for child care subsidies effectively.
  • Launched YoungStar, establishing a first-of-its-kind quality rating system for child care in Wisconsin.

Asst Deputy Secretary

Department Of Children and Families, State of Florida
Madison, Wisconsin
07.2008 - 09.2010
  • Appointed by Governor Doyle as Assistant Deputy Secretary for the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.
  • Created and directed comprehensive external affairs functions, including communications, community relations and government relations.
  • Advised Secretary and Governor's Office on critical legislative and policy issues.
  • Led activities related to American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, ensuring compliance and effective fund management.
  • Supervised five key employees across various departmental functions to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Represented department in high-level meetings with Governor, legislators, and external stakeholders.
  • Implemented internal communication plan to improve information flow within the department.

Transition Team

Department of Children and Families
Madison, Wisconsin
02.2008 - 07.2008
  • Appointed by Governor Doyle to help create the Department of Children and Families starting July 1, 2008.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive communications and outreach strategy for department launch.
  • Acted as liaison between Governor's Office and transition team to ensure smooth establishment.
  • Cultivated relationships with legislators and key stakeholders throughout department creation process.

Policy Advisor

Office of Governor Jim Doyle, State of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
02.2005 - 02.2008
  • Analyzed public policy issues in health care, insurance, regulation, technical colleges and workforce development.
  • Drafted policy briefings for Governor's meetings and events as required.
  • Provided policy background to inform talking points and speeches for the Governor.
  • Coordinated public events for the Governor, including planning and briefing sessions.

Epidemiologist

Department of Health Services
Madison, Wisconsin
10.2001 - 09.2004
  • Oversaw the management and operation of the hepatitis B and hepatitis C Wisconsin surveillance system.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of current laboratory-based reporting systems for identifying chronic HBV and HCV infections.
  • Developed statewide and regional surveillance reports on HBV and HCV to guide public health programs, developed by state and local public health officials.
  • Developed statewide and regional surveillance reports on HBV and HCV to guide public health programs developed by state and local public health officials. Supervised and mentored student interns conducting hepatitis epidemiology projects.
  • Was selected for and attended the Wisconsin Women in Government graduate seminar.

Education

Master of Science - Population Health

UW-Madison School of Medicine And Public Health
Madison, Wisconsin
05-2001

Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry, Major; Health Care Studies, Minor

Beloit College
Beloit, WI
05-1999

Skills

  • Team development and leadership
  • Drives engagement
  • Manages complexity
  • Values diversity
  • Curiosity
  • Courage
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Action-oriented
  • Manages ambiguity
  • Policy analysis
  • Coaching and mentoring

Accomplishments

  • Distinguished Service Citation, Beloit College (2024)
  • Inaugural DEI Trailblazer, African American Credit Union Coalition (2021)
  • Honorary Doctorate of Science, Beloit College (2021)
  • Wisconsin Innovation Award, for the Black Oxygen podcast (2021)
  • One of the nations most powerful diversity executives, Black Enterprise Magazine (2018)
  • YWCA Madison Women of Distinction Award (2017)

Publications and Features

Feature: Some call it "neurospicy." An increasing number of adults are coming to terms with the possibility that they have a neurodivergent brain. Madison Magazine, October 2024

Authored Article: I burned out: Lessons from leading DEI in 2020 & 2021. CU Times, May 21, 2021

Authored Article: Don't pause DEI: Global pandemic is reason to advance DEI, not retreat from DEI efforts. CU Insight, Apr 29, 2020

Authored Article: Creating healthy communities Helping people of color attain financial success. Madison Magazine, Feb 12, 2018

Feature: Game Changer, Beloit College Magazine, Spring 2017 

Authored Article: Diversity, equity, and inclusion: Tap into the power of difference. Credit Union Magazine, Apr 1, 2017

Authored Opinion piece: The importance of creating an equitable and inclusive organization (and city). Madison365, April 18, 2017.  

Feature: Equity Rocks -  Angela Russell just thinks you should know. Brava Magazine, May 26, 2015.  

Authored Article: County Health Rankings & Roadmaps: Where you live matters to your health and taking action to improve health - Wisconsin Counties Madison, June 2012. 

Community Engagement and Board of Directors

  • Creator and Host of the Black Oxygen Podcast (2020 - present)
  • Board Member, Downtown Madison Inc (2022 - present)
  • Trustee, Beloit College (2023 - present)
  • YWCA Racial Justice Summit Curator (2015 - present)

Timeline

President

TruStage Foundation
01.2024 - Current

Chief Diversity Officer

TruStage
10.2021 - Current

Vice President, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

TruStage
01.2018 - 10.2021

Director, Diversity & Inclusion

TruStage
01.2017 - 12.2017

Manager, Diversity & Inclusion

TruStage
05.2015 - 12.2016

Health Equity Coordinator

Public Health Madison & Dane County
11.2013 - 05.2015

Community Engagement Lead, County Health Rankings

Population Health Institute, UW-Madison
02.2011 - 11.2013

Division Adminstrator

Department of Children and Families
09.2010 - 12.2010

Asst Deputy Secretary

Department Of Children and Families, State of Florida
07.2008 - 09.2010

Transition Team

Department of Children and Families
02.2008 - 07.2008

Policy Advisor

Office of Governor Jim Doyle, State of Wisconsin
02.2005 - 02.2008

Epidemiologist

Department of Health Services
10.2001 - 09.2004

Master of Science - Population Health

UW-Madison School of Medicine And Public Health

Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry, Major; Health Care Studies, Minor

Beloit College

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