Her influence in Pittsburgh's Technology sector began when she moved to the city in 2000 to work for Alcoa. There, her roles included Global Director of Human Resources & Technology Policy and Manager of Alcoa's global people strategy, business systems and information technology. As a senior-level human resources and information technology strategist, she led successful efforts to deploy and optimize global IT systems and improve global access to information.

In 2005, she assumed the role of Vice President of Operations and Chief Financial Officer for the software and product design firm, MAYA Design. She was directly responsible for profit and loss accountability and directed all business processes, including contract negotiations, talent development, client relationships, project management, business development and resource management.

Russo's varied background includes former roles as an independent business strategy consultant, adjunct faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, and Director of an intermediate care facility for people with developmental disabilities and chronic health care needs.

Russo earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Ohio State University and her Master's Degree in Public Administration from Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Public Affairs.

Currently, Russo is a member of CEOs for Cities and serves as a board member of the Technology Councils of North America, Carnegie Science Center Regional SciTech Initiative, Greater Oakland Keystone Innovation Zone, RIDC of Southwestern PA, Carnegie Mellon University's Cornerstones Symposium, and The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh.>