CEO
The Hodge Group
Russ currently serves as CEO for The Hodge Group, one of the fastest growing fundraising consulting firms in the nation. His hands-on management style and innovative fundraising technique has been the blueprint for his success in achieving philanthropic goals for a variety of organizations.
Prior to founding THG, Russ held political fundraising staff positions in two gubernatorial campaigns in Missouri and Nebraska. In addition, he has served as a consultant on a third gubernatorial campaign and one presidential campaign as well as served as the deputy director of the Ohio Republican Party Finance Committee. Russ’ vast array of resources and solid-networking abilities has earned him a nationally recognized track record in the fundraising arena.
• Provided leadership for approximately 50 campaigns with goals that ranged from $20M to $50M
• Recruited, trained and hired more than 40 senior development officers for various organizations
• Successfully directed the completion of grants to many national foundations
• One of the youngest Americans to successfully climb Mount McKinley
• Has completed two marathons
A native of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Russ holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. He is involved in the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), a member of the Giving Institute and is a past AFP Professional Fund Raiser of the Year. Russ was named as a member of the U.S. State Department Delegation to Slovenia NGO (Non-Governmental Organizations) and is a nationally recognized lecturer and instructor in philanthropy. He is currently an instructor in the Not-for Profit Management Certificate Program for The Ohio State University and for The Foundation Services, Inc. in Cleveland, Ohio. Russ is an AFP Master Trainer.
Prior to founding THG, Russ held political fundraising staff positions in two gubernatorial campaigns in Missouri and Nebraska. In addition, he has served as a consultant on a third gubernatorial campaign and one presidential campaign as well as served as the deputy director of the Ohio Republican Party Finance Committee. Russ’ vast array of resources and solid-networking abilities has earned him a nationally recognized track record in the fundraising arena.
• Provided leadership for approximately 50 campaigns with goals that ranged from $20M to $50M
• Recruited, trained and hired more than 40 senior development officers for various organizations
• Successfully directed the completion of grants to many national foundations
• One of the youngest Americans to successfully climb Mount McKinley
• Has completed two marathons
A native of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Russ holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. He is involved in the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), a member of the Giving Institute and is a past AFP Professional Fund Raiser of the Year. Russ was named as a member of the U.S. State Department Delegation to Slovenia NGO (Non-Governmental Organizations) and is a nationally recognized lecturer and instructor in philanthropy. He is currently an instructor in the Not-for Profit Management Certificate Program for The Ohio State University and for The Foundation Services, Inc. in Cleveland, Ohio. Russ is an AFP Master Trainer.
