Russell is based out of a Field Office at Mammoth Cave National Park and is providing technical planning assistance to local communities to create greenway and blueway trails throughout Kentucky. Prior to working for the National Park Service, Russell was the owner of a Community Planning, Landscape Architecture and Construction Management Company in northern Michigan for thirty-two years. He has worked nationally and internationally on recreation, resort and community development projects for private and public sector clients.

The Rivers, Trails and Conservation Program allows Russell to pursue his passion for assisting organizations and communities to improve local access to parks, recreation and conserve natural resources with a goal of making it easier for people to get outdoors and be active.