Who I am and why I’m running for Town Council
by Ronald Russo
I was born in Providence, the third child of seven. My father passed away when I was 11, so my mother became a single mom, cleaning houses to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads. This childhood experience gave me some foundational life lessons including self-reliance, a willingness to work hard to achieve a goal and empathy towards people in all walks of life.
At 18, I enlisted in the U.S. Army. Not only was I stationed in the United States but also in France. I visited West Berlin, saw the Berlin Wall and visited Checkpoint Charlie. Watching these historic events unfold certainly gave me a sense of appreciation for the freedoms we sometimes take for granted. Courtesy of Uncle Sam and the GI Bill, I enrolled at Johnson & Wales Business College and earned my degree in Business Administration.
My business career began in 1965 with Associates Commercial Corporation in Providence eventually being promoted to Assistance Vice President and Branch Manager.
In 1974, I was hired by PACCAR Financial Corp. as Assistant Regional Manager in Newton, Massachusetts where I held various management positions leading to becoming an Area Manager covering 32 states with 120 employees reporting to me. In 1982, I transferred to the Corporate Headquarters in Seattle, WA, where I became responsible for all problem and legal related accounts nationwide. After 14 years with PACCAR, I was hired away by US West Financial Services and moved to Stamford, CT, and closer to home.
My work experience encompasses over 35 years, giving me a strong financial background in lending and problem solving in the commercial lending industry. I retired in 1997.
One of my first volunteer efforts was with the Big Brothers Organization where I helped mentor my “Little Brother” through his difficult high school years. Although he now lives in Colorado, we still keep in touch. I currently serve on the Economic Improvement Commission where I’ve been able to educate myself about the issues surrounding our business community and jobs in Charlestown. I also devote time to many varied volunteer activities with my local church and serve on the Friends of Ninigret Park Subcommittee.
In 1990, Mary and I first purchased a summer home in Charlestown to be close to her parents. Upon retirement, we chose to make Charlestown our permanent residence. I even managed to convince our two daughters to make Charlestown their home. I care deeply about Charlestown and its future – not only because it’s our home, but also because it’s the home for the next generation like my daughters, their husbands, and our granddaughter.
My work experience has given me a broad background in financial lending and problem solving. Because of my life’s experiences, I am passionate about the things I believe in and feel with hard work there is no task too big to tackle. Now I’d like to put my skills and determination to work for all Charlestown residents.
by Ronald Russo
At 18, I enlisted in the U.S. Army. Not only was I stationed in the United States but also in France. I visited West Berlin, saw the Berlin Wall and visited Checkpoint Charlie. Watching these historic events unfold certainly gave me a sense of appreciation for the freedoms we sometimes take for granted. Courtesy of Uncle Sam and the GI Bill, I enrolled at Johnson & Wales Business College and earned my degree in Business Administration.
My business career began in 1965 with Associates Commercial Corporation in Providence eventually being promoted to Assistance Vice President and Branch Manager.
In 1974, I was hired by PACCAR Financial Corp. as Assistant Regional Manager in Newton, Massachusetts where I held various management positions leading to becoming an Area Manager covering 32 states with 120 employees reporting to me. In 1982, I transferred to the Corporate Headquarters in Seattle, WA, where I became responsible for all problem and legal related accounts nationwide. After 14 years with PACCAR, I was hired away by US West Financial Services and moved to Stamford, CT, and closer to home.
My work experience encompasses over 35 years, giving me a strong financial background in lending and problem solving in the commercial lending industry. I retired in 1997.
One of my first volunteer efforts was with the Big Brothers Organization where I helped mentor my “Little Brother” through his difficult high school years. Although he now lives in Colorado, we still keep in touch. I currently serve on the Economic Improvement Commission where I’ve been able to educate myself about the issues surrounding our business community and jobs in Charlestown. I also devote time to many varied volunteer activities with my local church and serve on the Friends of Ninigret Park Subcommittee.
My work experience has given me a broad background in financial lending and problem solving. Because of my life’s experiences, I am passionate about the things I believe in and feel with hard work there is no task too big to tackle. Now I’d like to put my skills and determination to work for all Charlestown residents.
