Russell is the Director of Water and Natural Resources (WNR) company-wide, working out of Otak’s Redmond office. A graduate of Washington State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, he started his career working as a general civil engineer. It was here where he got the opportunity to work in several different roles, including as a structural engineer, site development engineer, roadway engineer, and a water resources engineer. After 5 years of trying various civil engineering specialties, Russell realized his true passion was for water resources engineering and decided to focus his career on those pursuits. Since joining Otak in 1997, Russell enjoys the opportunity to work with a diverse group of smart professionals on varying projects all benefiting the environment.

When he is not leading the WNR practice, Russell can be found outdoors camping, biking, riding quads and watching movies and sporting events. He participated in the South Sound Communities StormFest Educational program, a hands-on, one-day, outdoor stormwater and watershed science education program for middle school students. In addition, he has been a guest speaker at his local high school and at community college career fairs. When he is not volunteering and educating young minds, Russell also repairs hiking trails in the Puget Sound region.