Michael Russell

Michael Russell, he/him

Timezone(s): Pacific, Mountain, Central

Mike Russell (he/him) is an award-winning communicator and strategist with over 15 years of experience in crisis communications, strategy building, restorative storytelling, and direct community empowerment. He brings significant community mobilization experience and has a reputation as a trusted leader and persuasive storyteller. As a reflective collaborator, Mike is a careful listener and works hard to establish rapport and build relationships across diverse contexts, backgrounds, and identities.

Mike is currently the Director of Public Affairs and Media Relations with Simon Fraser University and recently the Director of Communications for the Cowichan Valley School District. He harnesses research, collaboration, and restorative storytelling processes to bring his community together. Additionally, Mike is the university’s Communications Officer for the Emergency Operations Centre, co-led the Cowichan Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), and was the Regional Emergency Operations Centre (REOC) liaison.

Mike is a father of five, active mountain and adventure biker, aspiring guitar player, unfortunate banjo player, and amateur photographer.Read Truth Before Reconciliation and watch Demystifying Washrooms for Every Body to learn more about Mike’s advocacy.

Michael’s Core Skills + Offerings:

Strategic Planning, Crisis Communications, Media Relations