Russell Yost

Russell Yost, APR is Senior Director for Marketing and Communications at the University of Washington's College of Arts and Sciences, leading communications efforts for the UW's largest academic unit. Russell brings over 16 years of experience in higher education communications, has worked for PR and marketing agencies in Oregon, and has served as a legislative assistant in the Oregon State House and Senate. Prior to joining the UW, Russell worked at Willamette University for 14 years, serving as a communications director, associate vice president and Chief Communications Officer for the university, reporting to the President.

Russell has presented at regional and national conferences, including the PRSA International Conference (2019) and CASE District VIII conference (2007, 2010 and 2020). He was a Contributing Assistant Professor at Willamette University, teaching integrated marketing communications at the graduate level from 2008-2014. Russell is a long-time member of PRSA, having served as President of the Oregon Capital Chapter and a member of the Board of PRSA Portland (both chapters are now part of PRSA Oregon). He is a member of the Executive Committee for PRSA’s Counselors to Higher Education section and co-chaired the group’s Senior Summit/Summer Symposium in 2020.

Russell’s work has been awarded a PRSA Silver Anvil (2018) and Bronze Anvil (2021). He has also been named to the Portland Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” and received the Portland Business Alliance’s “Volunteer of the Year” award. He holds an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) and has a bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University and master’s degree from Willamette University.

Organization

Senior Director for Marketing and Communications University of Washington