Office of Science and Technology, Associate Director Richard M. Russell

Richard M. Russell, Associate Director with the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in August 2002. As Associate Director he serves as OSTP Director Dr. John Marburger's deputy for technology. Mr. Russell also serves as Senior Director for Technology and Telecommunications for the National Economic Council. Prior to being chosen by the President for his current position, Russell served as OSTP's Chief of Staff. Russell also worked on the Presidential Transition Teams for the Department of Commerce, National Science Foundation and OSTP.

From 1995-2001, Russell worked for the House of Representatives Committee on Science and has a background in technology and environmental policy. The Committee has oversight responsibilities for all Federal civilian research and development and authorizing responsibilities for most civilian science programs.

During his time on the Committee, Russell helped draft a wide variety of legislation, including efforts to expand and improve coordination of federal information technology research, improve computer security, and authorize agencies such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology. He also was charged with overseeing the committee's technology policy, coordinating its oversight agenda, and helping manage the committee's majority staff.

Russell began his tenure on the Committee as a professional staff member for the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment. He was promoted to staff director for the Subcommittee on Technology and finally to deputy chief of staff for the full Science Committee.

Prior to joining the Science Committee, Russell was a professional staff member of the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Subcommittee on Oceanography. The Oceanography Subcommittee had jurisdiction over ocean and environmental research and management.

He also directed the Washington office of the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA). ACWA is a non-profit association representing 400 public water agencies responsible for delivering 90 percent of California's domestic and agricultural water.

Russell began his career in Washington, D.C. as a research fellow for the Conservation Foundation. He also worked for Congressman Curt Weldon (R-Penn.) and Senator John Seymour (R-Calif.). In 1988 he earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Yale University.