Christopher J Russell

Colonel (Ret) Chris Russell is a decorated Air Force combat veteran and career Intelligence Officer whose military service spans more than two decades, including diverse assignments around the globe. Originally from Fort Smith, Arkansas, Mr. Russell was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Over the course of his career, he developed deep expertise in targeting operations, fighter squadron and wing intelligence, Combined Air Operations Center functions, and Special Operations.
Mr. Russell’s operational deployments include multiple tours in support of key U.S. missions in the Middle East and Afghanistan, including Operation Southern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve. His career reflects a commitment to excellence and strategic leadership, with assignments at Special Operations Command Central, U.S. Special Operations Command, and the Pentagon, where he served as the lead speechwriter on the Air Staff for the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance.
He commanded the 22nd Intelligence Squadron at the National Security Agency and held a variety of leadership and instructor roles at the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, reflecting his reputation as both a warfighter and mentor. His academic accomplishments include a Master of Science in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as professional military education from the Squadron Officers School (Distinguished Graduate), U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and the Air War College. He retired from the Air Force in 2016.
In 2025, he established The Russell Group, a leadership coaching firm focused on delivering leader development strategies and building high performing teams. Mr. Russell is a John Maxwell Leadership Team Certified Leadership Coach and his first book, “More Than The Mission, Leadership Lesson From My Career In Air Force Intelligence” is now available on Amazon.
Mr. Russell and his wife, Cindy, have been married for over 30 years and reside in Jenks, Oklahoma.