Board Spotlight — Russell Starke
Russ Starke is Vice President of Strategy and Growth at Weidenhammer, a 48-year-strong technology consulting firm. Throughout his career, Russ has partnered with corporate and nonprofit organizations as an award-winning executive leader, experience designer, business strategist, analyst, project manager, information architect, and instructional designer. Originally from Long Island, NY, he holds an M.S. in Instructional Technology from Commonwealth (Bloomsburg) University and a B.S. in Telecommunications from Kutztown University. From 1999 to 2010, he also served as adjunct graduate faculty and course designer for the capstone of Thomas Jefferson University’s Digital Design and Instructional Technology programs (formerly Philadelphia University).
Beyond his role at Weidenhammer, Russ remains deeply engaged in the community—serving on multiple boards and committees and actively mentoring emerging business leaders. He lives in the suburbs with his wife, two teenage kids, dog, cat, and guitars.
What is your profession and what is your favorite part of your role?
I'm a career consultant; based on the work I've done and roles I've held, I touch many aspects of business strategy, and have deep experience in human experience design - especially digital experiences and the handoffs between digital and non-digital touchpoints. My favorite part of my role is the amount of time I am able to spend getting to know, and help, all kinds of people across all kinds of organizations.
What do you look forward to most about being involved with OHAAT?
OHAAT is a great organization and great team, doing important work. Any way I can help amplify that and provide support based on my areas of expertise, that's the good stuff and of interest to me.
What about the OHAAT mission and work really motivates you?
I really appreciate how OHAAT has firmly "picked a lane" in the multi-lane battle fought on a daily basis by folks in need. Identifying a focus where we can make a tangible, demonstrable difference - I like that a lot, and think we'll do better as an overall community with a connected group of folks all doing this in their own way, than orgs that mean well but have a harder time making (or seeing/feeling) that kind of impact because they're attacking such a large challenge at a broad, high level.
What was your favorite book to read at bedtime as a child?
Hm. Weirdly, I liked to read as a kid (choose your own adventure books were a big one), but I didn't do it all that much at bedtime. The only real bedtime reading I remember was my favorite book when I was very, very small, which was "The Tricycle Book" - a "Golden Shape Book". The pictures in that still evoke strong feelings for me!