H. Russell Griffith

Career Highlights

Russ has 30 years of experience in the computer industry. After returning from Vietnam in 1970, he was the Operations Manager for Publishing Computer Service, he then took a programming position with O'Brien and Lowe, who was purchased by Datatel in 1972. Russ moved through middle and upper management at Datatel's Northern Virginia headquarters. In 1978, Russ became Vice President of Datatel and President of Digital Management Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Datatel.

In 1986, Russ opened Datatel's first regional office in San Francisco, California. He returned to the Fairfax, Virginia office in 1989 as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. During the following two years, Datatel's revenue doubled and he was named Executive Vice President.

Russ was named to his current position, President and Chief Executive Officer, in 1992. In the nine years since Russ was named President and CEO, Datatel has increased revenue and profits by over 20% compounded.

Additionally, under Russ's leadership Datatel's staff has grown from less than 100 people to 500 and its Client base has grown from less than 100 institutions to 600. As a result of this growth, Datatel opened another regional office in 1999 in Dallas, Texas.

Education and Professional Initiatives

Russ attended the University of Maryland, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He became a Certified Data Processor (CDP) from the Institute for the Certification of Computer Professionals, in 1979. Russ is a guest lecturer on the topic of Leadership at George Mason University's School of Management and a frequent speaker for higher education and technology associations. In addition, he was instrumental in the establishment of the George Mason University's Masters Program in Technology Management.

Military Service, Honors, and Awards

Russ served in the United States Army, 1968 - 1970. He attended the Infantry Leadership School at Fort Benning, Georgia; was an Honor Graduate NCOIC, Fort Benning, Georgia; TAC NCO, Fort Benning, Georgia; and Infantry Platoon Sergeant, First Air Calvary, Republic of Vietnam. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters. As part of the Datatel Scholars Foundation, Russ created the Angelfire Scholarship, which awards scholarships to Vietnam veterans and their family members who attend one of Datatel's Client institutions.

Affiliations

Russ is a Board Member and Executive Committee Member of the Washington Airport Task Force, Past Treasurer and Board Member of Intelligent Solutions, Past Member of the Association for Computing Machinery and of the Data Processing Management Association. He is a lifetime member of the Air Safety Foundation and is listed as a lifetime Honored Professional in the Nationwide Register's Who's Who in Executives and Businesses, 2000 edition, as well as a life member of the National Registry of Who's Who, 2001 edition. Russ is an instrument rated pilot with over 1,000 hours, a member of the Aircraft Owners Pilots Association, and a Certified Rescue Diver.