Russell Smith
Boston,MA
Summary
Strategic and detail-driven Executive Assistant with 7+ years supporting senior leadership in fast-paced pharmaceutical and academic environments. Proven track record in managing complex calendars, coordinating global meetings, streamlining operations, and ensuring confidentiality. Adept in cross-functional collaboration, budget management, vendor coordination, HR support, and system testing. Recognized for enhancing executive productivity and enabling organizational success through proactive, reliable, and high-impact administrative support.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Assistant to GM, U.S. Head of Type 1 Diabetes
Sanofi
Boston, MA
01.2023 - Current
- Managed complex calendars, travel, and meetings across time zones for senior leaders.
- Supported the launch of a priority drug asset and contributed to the annual brand planning process.
- Facilitated the integration of a newly acquired company, ensuring smooth operational alignment.
- Coordinated logistics for executive travel, expense reports, and external engagements.
- Maintained confidentiality, prioritized tasks independently, and enhanced executive team productivity.
Senior Administrative Assistant, U.S. Dermatology Business Unit
Sanofi
Boston, MA
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Effectively managed multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, providing proactive calendar, travel, and expense support for senior leaders.
- Coordinated high-level meetings, developed agendas, recorded minutes, and supported external engagements with professionalism and discretion.
- Supported multiple drug indication launches for a priority dermatology asset and contributed to the ongoing brand planning process.
- Worked independently to prioritize tasks and liaise with leadership and cross-functional partners.
- Streamlined PO management processes for the Dermatology Marketing team, enhancing operational efficiency and compliance.
Senior Administrative Assistant, School of Medicine – Infectious Disease
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Managed administrative functions for 8 physicians, including calendar and travel coordination.
- Oversaw financial tracking, procurement, and HR data in alignment with UVA policies.
- Coordinated seminars, conferences, and onboarding of new hires and fellows.
- Maintained departmental inventory and systems with minimal supervision.
Program & Logistics Coordinator
Center for Teaching Excellence
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Led event planning for faculty and student programs.
- Managed budgets, travel, hiring logistics, and compliance with grant and procurement policies.
- Oversaw office renovation project in 2015.
Business Analyst (Contract)
BB&T
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Administered BB&T’s contingent labor program and contractor compliance through Ariba.
- Conducted data analysis on tenure, spend, and onboarding metrics.
- Created system testing protocols and onboarding documentation for Ariba users.
Operations Analyst
American Express
01.1998 - 01.2014
- Ensured SOX compliance for 6,000+ item catalog and managed $25M gift card inventory.
- Handled vendor relationships, customer escalations, and service recovery operations.
- Led analysis of service volumes, supported new product launches, and executed system testing.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Lees-McRae College
Associate of Science - Business
Lees-McRae College
Skills
- Executive Calendar & Travel Management
- Budgeting & Expense Reporting
- Vendor & Purchase Order Management
- Global Meeting & Event Planning
- HR Support & Onboarding
- Data Analysis & Financial Reporting
- Compliance & Risk Management
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Microsoft Office Suite & Ariba
- Operational Excellence
- Concur
Timeline
Executive Assistant to GM, U.S. Head of Type 1 Diabetes
Sanofi
01.2023 - Current
Senior Administrative Assistant, U.S. Dermatology Business Unit
Sanofi
01.2020 - 01.2023
Senior Administrative Assistant, School of Medicine – Infectious Disease
University of Virginia
01.2017 - 01.2020
Program & Logistics Coordinator
Center for Teaching Excellence
01.2015 - 01.2017
Business Analyst (Contract)
BB&T
01.2014 - 01.2015
Operations Analyst
American Express
01.1998 - 01.2014
Associate of Science - Business
Lees-McRae College
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Lees-McRae College