Brian Russell, Ph.D. - Staff Directory
- Title:
- Executive Senior Associate Director of Athletics,
Chief Commercial Officer
- Email:
- brussui
Began at Illinois:
August, 2018
Education:
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.
Job Responsibilities:
Named Chief Commercial Officer in May 2026, Dr. Russell leads commercial operations and revenue generation strategies for Illinois Athletics which includes oversight of corporate sponsorships, ticket sales and operations, premium seating, marketing and fan engagement, in-game production, creative video, athletics communication, I-Fund annual giving, Fighting Illini Productions and Sportstech. Additionally, Russell leads operations surrounding Name, Image and Likeness opportunities for Fighting Illini Student-Athletes.
Past Experience:
Dr. Brian Russell returned to the Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) in August 2024, joining DIA's accomplished development team in the newly created position of Chief Hospitality Officer and resuming his role on the DIA executive staff. Russell also served 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 provided 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.
Russell rejoined Fighting Illini Athletics after spending the 2024-25 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.
Dr. Russell came to Illinois following a 15-year stint at the University of Tennessee, where he ultimately served as the Director of Student-Athlete Academic Support Services, which included oversight of academic counseling and day-to-day academic services for all Tennessee student-athletes.
Personal:
Dr. Russell resides in Mahomet with his wife, Jenna, and their sons Ben and Alex.
Updated November 2026
