Catherine M. Russell
| Cathy Russell | |
|---|---|
 | |
| United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues | |
|
Assumed office August 26, 2013 | |
| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Melanne Verveer |
| Chief of Staff to the Second Lady of the United States | |
|
In office January 20, 2009 – August 26, 2013 | |
| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | ??? |
| Succeeded by | Sheila Nix |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1961 (age 53–54) |
| Spouse(s) | Tom Donilon |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater |
Boston College George Washington University |
Catherine M. Russell (born 1961) is the United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues, appointed on May 8, 2013.[1]
Career
Russell began her career on Capitol Hill, as Counsel and then Senior Counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Technology Subcommittee, chaired by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.). She then served as Staff Director to the Senate Judiciary Committee under Chairman Joseph Biden (D-De).[2][3]
Russell served as Associate Deputy Attorney General to Janet Reno. She worked as senior adviser to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where she specialized in international women’s issues.
Russell is a longtime adviser to Vice President Joe Biden’s wife, Jill Biden. During the 2008 presidential campaign, Russell was tapped to serve as chief of staff to then-second lady-elect Jill Biden. She then served as Chief of Staff to the spouse of Vice President of the United States from January 2009.[2]
Personal life
Russell is married to Tom Donilon, who is the former National Security Advisor to President Barack Obama.[2][4] Her brother-in-law is Mike Donilon, a lawyer and political consultant who serves as Counselor to Vice President Joe Biden.
Education
Russell graduated from Boston College and received her J.D. from The George Washington University.[5]
References
- ↑ Catherine M. Russell - U.S. Department of State biography
- 1 2 3 Who Runs Government. "Catherine Russell: Why She Matters", "whorunsgov.com".
- ↑ The George Washington University. "Building the New Administration:White House Staff--Biographies as provided by the Transition*", "George Washington University".
- ↑ Vogel, Kenneth P."15 Obama administration power couples", "Politico", June 15, 2009.
- ↑ "Catherine Russell." The Washington Post, July 26, 2012.
External links
- Catherine M. Russell collected news and commentary at The Washington Post
- Appearances on C-SPAN
| Diplomatic posts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Melanne Verveer |
United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues 2013–present |
Incumbent |
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