Over the last decade, Russell led Seniors Rights Service (SRS) as CEO. SRS provides legal, aged care advocacy and education and awareness-raising services, reaching over 40,000 older people in NSW each year. It also plays an integral role in systemic policy advocacy at both state and national levels. Under Russell’s guidance, SRS rebranded and almost tripled in size and service reach. In addition, he actively participated in the United Nations process to advocate for an international convention on the rights of older people and played key roles in establishing two national peak bodies: the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) and Elder Abuse Action Australia (EAAA).

In his early career, Russell focused on supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the LGBTIQ+ community. He held senior roles at ACON in Sydney and Gay Men’s Health Crisis in New York, developing educational campaigns and lobbying government on critical issues with community partners. Driving health promotion campaigns across Australia, Russell worked with peak bodies, such as the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations, the National Association of People with HIV/AIDS and, more recently, with LGBTIQ+ Health Australia.

Russell holds several board roles, including Co-chair of EAAA, National Council Member of National Seniors Australia, Advisory Board Member of the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission and is an active participant of the Global Alliance of the Rights of Older People. He has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of NSW, majoring in sociology, political science and international relations.

He now runs Auxilia, providing a professional helping hand to leaders of smaller not-for-profits.