“Shenandoah will give you the foundation you need to thrive in an ever changing profession,” said Katie Bundrick Russell ’10, ’12. “The professors are knowledgeable and have real life experience outside of the classroom. By sharing their experiences, they are also helping prepare you for issues you will run into as you progress in your career.”
Russell is the chief financial officer for the in Front Royal, Virginia. She started working for the NWCSB after graduation and has held various positions throughout her time with the organization. The most rewarding part of her career is hearing firsthand accounts of how the NWCSB has helped the individuals it serves.
“Being able to help individuals with mental health, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders even on the fringe gives me a sense of accomplishment for helping those who are in need,” said Russell.
Russell believes her Shenandoah education helped her reach her career goals by giving her the skills to identify issues quickly and resolve them. Her professors were always telling her to expect the unexpected and how to respond.
“SU gave me the start I needed to be where I am today,” said Russell. This is why she feels it’s important to give back to the university. She received the Beta Gamma Sigma scholarship and has continued to give to that scholarship so it can help other future business leaders follow their dreams. Russell is now also volunteering her time to the university as a member on the ĻӰ Alumni Board of Directors.
In her position as an alumni board member, she is looking forward to meeting past, current and future Shenandoah students and sharing her college experience with them.
“I have always wanted to give back to the institution that gave me so much,” said Russell. “I have such fond memories of attending SU and I hope that I can share these memories with others so that they, too, can build a lifelong foundation at a wonderful university.”
When she’s not working, Russell enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping with her husband and their son, Axton. She also loves reading and gardening in her spare time.