Editor’s Note: Todd Russ was unable to respond to the questionnaire in time for this section. We have researched candidate’s website, Facebook pages and other sources to do our best to provide an overview of the candidate’s platform. Below is a sampling of that material.
Editor’s Note: Todd Russ was unable to respond to the questionnaire in time for this section. We have researched candidate’s website, Facebook pages and other sources to do our best to provide an overview of the candidate’s platform. Below is a sampling of that material.
Political Party: Republican Current Town: Cordell Age: 61 Candidate Background: Russ is a respected banking leader with more than 30 years of experience. He began in banking as a banking assistant at the State Bank of Rocky in 1983. He was later employed at Washita State Bank in Burns Flat and became Vice President. Russ served as vice-president and executive vice-president at banks in Chickasha and Oklahoma City until returning to Washita State Bank where he served as President and CEO. During his tenure, Russ took one of the smallest banks in the state and doubled its assets, and was the top rated bank in its peer group for six consecutive quarters. Russ sold the majority of his bank stock and began management consulting with banks and businesses in 2008.
Russ developed a reputation for successfully guiding banks to resolve problem loans and other bank management needs. In addition, Russ has worked with Oklahoma banks, corporations, and small businesses to address performance, profitability, and compliance issues.
During his banking career, Russ also served as a director of the Oklahoma Bankers Association and Chairman of the OBA Small Bank Council.
Since 2009, Russ has represented an extensive part of western Oklahoma that encompasses District 55. He has proven to be an effective leader in the Republican-led State House of Representatives. Russ is Chairman Emeritus of the Transportation A&B committee. He also serves on three other major committees: House Appropriations and Budget, Common Education, and Insurance.
Russ was the founder of the Burns Flat-Dill City Educational Foundation. He was a charter member of the Oklahoma Southwest Economic Alliance. Russ also served as a member of the Cordell City Council and on the advisory board for the Western Technology Center for Business. He is a member of Leadership Oklahoma and the NRA.
Russ was named the 2019 Legislator of the Year by the Oklahoma Childcare Association. Russ has a 100% pro-life voting record, a 100% Farm Bureau voting record, and in 2020 was endorsed by the NRA.
Russ is a fourth-generation resident of Western Oklahoma. He graduated from Sentinel High School in 1979 where he was active in Future Farmers of America, receiving the State Farmer degree his senior year. Russ worked as a welder to help fund his college education. He then attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Finance. Russ is also a graduate of the University of Colorado Graduate School of Banking. He has specialized training in Asset/Liability Management and Interest Rate Risk Analysis.
Todd and Khristy live in Cordell. They have been married for 38 years and are members of New Beginnings Assembly of God. Khristy is a 20-year veteran public school teacher. She currently owns and operates Atlas Title and Closing. They have three grown children: Ryan and wife Madison and their two sons, Rhettson and Raider Mac; Lacey and husband Jason Randall and their daughters, London and Hallie; Lauren and husband Travis Collier, and their daughter, Brighton.
