CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– Dr. Brian Russell has returned to the Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA), joining DIA's accomplished development team in the newly created position of Chief Hospitality Officer and resuming his role on Athletic Director Josh Whitman's executive staff.
Russell will serve as Deputy Chief Development Officer, working alongside Chief Development Officer Howard Milton and the development staff to refine DIA's fundraising strategy and help generate resources for its programs while also supervising a team of major gift officers. As Chief Hospitality Officer, he will have oversight of the premium seating and in-game hospitality experiences offered to Fighting Illini fans, a line of business that generates nearly $10 million annually for DIA.
"We are thrilled to welcome Brian and the Russell family back to the Orange and Blue," said Whitman. "Since his arrival in 2018, Brian accepted increasing responsibility in a variety of roles and became a respected leader and trusted voice throughout our athletics program. Brian has great depth and breadth of experience, and we are excited for him to develop meaningful relationships with our loyal, passionate collection of donors, ticketholders, and fans."
Russell rejoins Fighting Illini Athletics after spending the past year in Lincoln, Nebraska, with the Dormie Network. As Dormie's Chief Strategic Partnerships Officer, he planned exclusive, world-class golf experiences for clients.
Prior to the Dormie Network, Russell spent six years at Illinois in various leadership posts, most recently as Senior Associate Athletics Director, Sports Administration and Major Gifts, a joint administration-fundraising position. That followed two-and-a-half years as Senior Associate Athletics Director, Sports Administration and Student-Athlete Development. His sport oversight included the Fighting Illini Men's Basketball, Baseball, Men's Golf, Women's Golf, Soccer, and Wrestling programs. For the last four years of his original tenure at Illinois, Russell was a member of DIA's executive leadership team.
Russell moved into sports administration in November 2020 after spending the previous two-plus years as Associate Athletic Director for Academic Services and Student-Athlete Development, which included a promotion to Senior Associate A.D. during his time leading the academic services unit.
Russell initially joined the Illinois staff in August 2018 following a 15-year stint at the University of Tennessee, where he concluded as the Director of Student-Athlete Academic Support Services.
A native of Lakeville, Indiana, Dr. Russell holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Notre Dame, a master's degree in college student personnel and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in socio-cultural studies in sport from the University of Tennessee. His dissertation involved research into the academic and athletic adjustment to college of first-year student-athletes.
Russell lives in Mahomet with his wife, Jenna, and their sons, Benjamin and Alexander.
