Meet Brandon Russell

ACTE President-Elect
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Region: II
Division: Administration
Occupation: Director of Career and Technical Education

Employment History
Director of CTE, Columbia Public Schools: 2014–present; adjunct professor, University of Central Missouri: 2015–2023; director, Jefferson College Area Technical School, Jefferson College: 2010–14; assistant superintendent, Marshall Public Schools: 2008–2010; director, Lex La-Ray Technical Center, Lexington R-V School District: 2002–08; graphic arts instructor, Carrollton R-VII School District: 1996–2002

Education
Doctor of Education, educational leadership, Saint Louis University; Education Specialist, educational administration, superintendency, University of Central Missouri; Master of Science, industrial vocational technical education, Central Missouri State University; Bachelor of Science, journalism, graphic communications, Northwest Missouri State University; Associate of Arts, general studies, Kansas City Kansas Community College

National ACTE Involvement
Member, board of directors: 2022–24; board liaison, Coalition for Workforce Development Through CTE, 2022–24; member, nominating committee: 2017–2020; member, executive director supplemental retirement task force: 2022–23; member, deleted policy task force: 2023; chair, region budget formula task force: 2023; supporter, CTE Support Fund: 2022–23; presenter, ACTE’s CareerTech VISION: 2016, 2023–24; attendee, VISION: 2011, 2014–2023; volunteer, VISION: 2019; attendee, National Policy Seminar: 2019, 2022–24

Regional ACTE Involvement
Chair, policy committee: 2022–present; conference presenter: 2023–24; conference attendee: 2016, 2019–2024

State ACTE Involvement
President, Missouri ACTE: 2019–2020; president-elect, Missouri ACTE: 2018–19; past president, Missouri ACTE: 2020–21; division president, Missouri Council of Career and Technical Administrators (MCCTA), Missouri ACTE: 2006–07, 2014–15; award winner, Assistant Administrator of the Year, MCCTA: 2017 I have been a member of Missouri ACTE for 26 years and served the association in a variety of ways during my career.

Other CTE Involvement
Technical chair, Career Pathways Showcase, SkillsUSA: 2020– present; member, National Education Team, Career Pathways Showcase, SkillsUSA: 2015–2020; contest chair, Career Pathways Showcase, Missouri SkillsUSA: 2011–present

I have served on committees with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, including Effectiveness Index Formula Committee (past), Enhancement Grant Committee (past), Data Committee (past), Industry Recognized Credential Committee (current), AdHoc CTE Funding Committee (past), CTE Marketing Task Force (past).

Platform Statement
As ACTE president-elect, I’m committed to building consensus around ACTE’s vision and goals through active engagement with the board, executive committee and the executive director. Working collaboratively with the board, I’ll strive to identify and understand member needs and seek innovative solutions to accomplish ACTE’s mission.

Prioritizing member value is crucial for ACTE’s continued growth. Engaged members are the heart of our organization. When a member feels the organization doesn’t offer value, the ofcers, board, executive director, and ACTE staff need to work collaboratively to continuously assess services and programs to ensure high-quality professional development, effective advocacy, and relevant networking opportunities are available at the national, regional, and state levels. ACTE needs to continue the quality leadership programs to empower members to engage in efforts to expand and enhance the premier professional organization available to CTE professionals across the country.

My father instilled in me the importance of active leadership in making a difference. Just as being a member is important, so is serving. My goal as the president-elect is to use my practical experience as a CTE teacher and leader to actively engage with members and board members, foster open discussions, and communicate transparently to champion ACTE’s mission to provide educational leadership in developing a competitive workforce.