Russell is a second-generation railroader, who began his career with the Southern Pacific, in 1977. He started as a switchman then became a yardmaster while in El Paso, TX. In 1992 he was promoted to Corridor Manager and on to Superintendent of Transportation Services in Denver, CO. After the merger with the Union Pacific, Russell worked in Omaha, NE as Director of Train Management and finished his 42 year career in Portland Oregon. While working for the Union Pacific Russell attained an MBA, and worked part time as an adjunct professor, at Bellevue University.
While working at the Union Pacific, Russell also led a successful safety program, for a 5-state region, at the Harriman Dispatching Center.