Experience Beyond His Years

Society has become more socially conscious than ever before, especially young people. But finding one's place in the world, where one can contribute and make a difference, can often feel overwhelming. At the same time, parents struggle with how to instill civic minded values in their children. That’s what makes Eli Russ’ story not only remarkable, but also instructional for those looking to find their way. Eli learned the value of service at an early age, almost by chance...and it changed the course of his life.

Eli first joined in 2009 as a member of his high school Red Cross youth club. From 2017 to 2019 he served as the Long Island Chapter's Mass Care Manager. Before and after taking on this position, Eli has held numerous volunteer roles for the organization.

In addition to supporting the Red Cross at dozen's of local disasters, Eli has also deployed in leadership roles to several major domestic and international emergencies, including as the Deputy Assistant Director for Response for Typhoon Yutu in the Northern Mariana Islands as well as the Sheltering Lead at the American Red Cross National Emergency Operations Center for Hurricane Florence.

This fall, Eli Russ celebrated 10 years as an American Red Cross team member, a few weeks shy of his 25th birthday.

Eli currently works as an associate at an Emergency Management consulting firm in Manhattan. He graduated from Muhlenberg College in 2017 with a BA in Public Health.

Producer: Chi Kong Lui
Editor: Sue Tran
Host: Michael de Vulpillieres
Photo: Kevin Suttlehan