Russ of IEEE

2025 has been interesting in Washington to say the least. The start of a new Presidency is usually exciting, but this year has been a bit more exciting than most of us expected.

To start to make sense of it all, IEEE-USA Managing Director and long-time friend of the IEEE Pittsburgh Section, Russell Harrison, will be joining us on August 21st.  Russ has represented IEEE in Washington for over 22 years.  His team is on Capitol Hill and in the Executive Branch agencies daily talking to policy makers about innovation, technology, and the men and women of IEEE.  Russ will be giving us a frank and honest look at the issues that matter to us, both the good and the bad.  His talk will cover the state of federal research, research grants, AI, nuclear energy, and any other topics you want to discuss.  

Events in Washington have seemed chaotic this year, but the Administration seems to have a purpose behind much of what it is doing.  And even if it doesn't, there are opportunities for technologists in chaos.  Join us for a lively discussion about Washington, Congress, the Administration, and what all of it means to IEEE and its members.

Biography:

As Managing Director of the IEEE-USA, Russell Harrison leads the Washington, DC office for the world’s largest technical professional society, the IEEE.   Prior to becoming Managing Director, Russ represented technology professionals to the US government as Director of Government Relations for IEEE-USA.   He focused on numerous policy issues including autonomous vehicles, digital privacy, AI, federal research funding, export control, and immigration.  In addition to directly engaging with policy makers, Russ strives to build bridges between technology professionals and politicians.  During his 20 year career with IEEE, Russ has spoken at over 300 local, national, and international events about public policy and the need for technology professionals to interact with their elected leaders.

Prior to IEEE-USA, Russ represented recycling facilities and the steel industry on Capitol Hill.  He has served on the both the Manassas Virginia Electoral Board and Planning Commission.  For his service, Russ has been named twice  as Manassas Volunteer of the Year.  He has a master’s in public management from the University of Maryland, a B.A. in Political Science from Allegheny College.

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