Michelle Russo

Chief Communications Officer
US Chamber of Commerce
US

 

 

This year, Michelle Russo stepped down from her role leading global communications for Discovery to join the US Chamber of Commerce as the organization’s first chief communications officer.

In the newly created role, Russo leads the chamber's 25-person communications operation, which includes media, digital and strategy teams — all focused on promoting free enterprise and the chamber's pro-business mission. The national group works across the public and private sectors to engage businesses and drive action in Washington.

"We wanted a sophisticated, battle-tested leader who understands Washington and has been at important boardroom tables," said president and CEO Tom Donohue. 

Russo has spent the last four years in London, where, as an executive VP, she led Discovery’s global marketing and communications teams. Last year, she oversaw the top-to-bottom communications and public affairs strategy for the company's first broadcast of the Winter Olympics across Europe.  Before moving to London, Russo served as Discovery’s senior VP of US corporate affairs & communications.

Earlier in her career, Russo was the Federal Communications Commission’s spokesperson on media regulation, serving under both Democratic and Republican leadership. In that role, she led public relations for major policy initiatives, including the relaxation of media ownership rules and regulatory reviews of industry mergers. She also served on the FCC crisis response team after the September 11 attacks.