Who We Are

Randy Russell

Randy Russell

Randy Russell brings a host of experience and expertise to Lesher, Russell & Barron, Inc. having served in numerous policy positions both inside and outside the government. In 1986, Randy joined Bill Lesher in the government relations firm that was to become Lesher & Russell, Inc. Prior to joining the firm, Randy served as Chief of Staff to John R. Block, Secretary of Agriculture. In this position, Randy was responsible for coordinating the Administration's efforts on the 1985 Farm Bill and acted as the point person for all Farm Bill related issues. Before serving as Secretary Block's Chief of Staff, Randy worked as the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economics in 1984. In this role, Randy helped to oversee the agencies responsible for economic research and policy analysis, as well as the Department's major statistical reports.

Randy served as the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives' Vice President for Agriculture and Trade Policy from 1982 to 1984. In this position, Randy coordinated the organization's trade and farm policy efforts and was the head lobbyist for these issues. As Director of Government Relations for The Pillsbury Company, Randy was responsible for all public policy matters that impacted the company, including food safety, trade, labeling and all other food related matters. In addition, Randy was the Pillsbury Company Political Action Committee coordinator.

Randy began his work in the Administration in 1981, serving as Assistant to Secretary of Agriculture, John R. Block. In this position, Randy served as the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 1981 Farm Bill Coordinator. Prior to this, Randy served in the legislative branch as the Economist for the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry as well as a Legislative Assistant to Senator Rudy Boschwitz (R-MN). Randy began his career in Washington as an economist for USDA’s Economic Research Service.

Randy attended George Mason University where he did undergraduate and graduate studies in public administration and economics.

Over the years, Randy has been actively involved in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program. He has served on the Board for both the National Capital Area and Northern Virginia Council of Big Brothers/Big Sisters. He also serves as Vice Chairman of the Board for Friends of the World Food Program, which raises awareness and funding in order to fight global hunger. Randy and his wife, Beth, are co-founders of The Golden Phoenix Foundation, which focuses on addressing the issue of childhood abandonment around the world. Randy and Beth currently reside in McLean, Virginia and have five children.