More Complete Bio for Ray Russell — 2026P

Education

Ph. D., Georgia Institute of Technology, 1989
Major: computer science (human factors, software engineering) Minor: psychologyMS, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1985 (Major: computer science)
MS, University of Memphis, 1982 (Major: mathematics)
BA, Freed-Hardeman University, Henderson, TN, 1979 (Major: computer science, ministry)

Non-Degree Professional Training

Before running for office, Dr. Russell completed a 12-week Fellows Program conducted by the non- partisan organization, North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership (NC IOPL). See iopl.org. The program is designed for public and policy leaders focused on self-assessment, ethics, understanding government systems in North Carolina, coalition building, media relationships, campaign organization, fundraising, polling, social media, and budgets.

Professional Work Experience

Founder and Owner, RaysWeather.Com. 2000-present
Representative, North Carolina House of Representatives, District 93, 2018-2020 Appalachian State University Computer Science Professor, 1991 – 2021 Chair, Computer Science Department
Professor and Director of the Computer Science Program, Abilene Christian University, 2001-2002 NASA-ASEE Summer Faculty Research Fellowship, NASA Langley Research Center, Summer 1990 and Summer 1991
Assistant Professor of Mathematical Sciences (Division of Computer Science), Virginia Commonwealth University, 1987-1991
Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Director of Academic Computing, Freed-Hardeman College, 1980-1983, 1986-1987
Graduate Teaching/Research Assistant, Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Information and Computer Science, 1983-1986
Systems Consultant, Georgia Institute of Technology, Department of Continuing Education, 1986- 1987 (part-time)
Interim Minister, Druid Hills Church of Christ, Atlanta, GA, 1983-1986 (part-time) Minister, Ashland Church of Christ, Ashland, MS, 1979-1980
Minister, Luray Church of Christ, Luray, TN, 1977-1978 (part-time)

North Carolina Government and Policy Work

North Carolina House (2019-2020)

Dr. Russell ran as the 2018 Democratic candidate for the State House of Representatives (NC House District 93). Dr. Russell built the largest grassroots organization ever seen in the district and raised more money than any campaign at any level in northwest NC. He won the 2018 election by 4 points but lost in 2020.

In two years in the NC House of Representatives, Rep. Russell became a strong advocate for access to affordable healthcare, support for public schools, environmental issues, including climate change, economic development in rural North Carolina, and government transparency. He was committed to constituent services.

His candidacy was endorsed by the following people and organizations: Joe Biden, North Carolina Association of Educators, North Carolina League of Conservation Voters, The Sierra Club, Future Now, Equality NC, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Democratic Redistricting Commission, Swing Left, End Citizens-United (Fight for Reform), National Organization for Women, and Now or Never NC. His work on environmental issues earned Rep. Russell a “Green Tie” award from the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters as a “Rising Star”. Rep. Russell was also named a “Jobs Champion” by the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce in 2020.

Rep. Russell served on the following legislative committees: Transportation, Appropriations, Elections and Ethics Law, Environment, and Pensions and Retirement.

Rep. Russell was the first freshman Democrat in 2019 to get a bill signed into law, a co-sponsor of 155 bills, and a primary sponsor of 21 bills. There are too many bills to list here, but fall in the following categories: Affordability and Affordable Housing, Farm, Non-Profit, and Small Business Support, K-12 Education and Teaching, Families and Early Childhood Education, Higher Education, Affordable and Available Healthcare, Fair Elections and Voting, Addiction and Mental Health, Fairness and Decency, Animal/Pet Issues, Safety and Law Enforcement, Environment and Sustainability, Government Transparency and Effectiveness, Retirement, Aging, and Senior Citizens, Technology. It’s an impressive list of bills by any standard. For a partial list of these bills, see the separate attachment.

Taken together, that’s a serious, substantive legislative portfolio—not symbolic bills, but work across health care, education, housing, elections, environmental protection, workers’ rights, public safety, and COVID response. It’s a record of a Representative working to govern, not pander or posture.

The importance of this body of work extended well beyond the number of bills signed into law. First, these bills said to the district and to the state, “Here’s what we could and would do if we were in the majority.” Second, some provisions were included in other bills that passed or were implemented in other ways in the General Assembly. For example, immediately after “HB 341 – North Carolina Sunshine Act” was filed, even though the House Speaker routed it through a record 14 committees, he set aside millions of dollars to begin broadcasting all legislative sessions and committee meetings via live-stream. Live-streaming all legislative proceedings was one of the provisions in Representative Russell’s bill. Finally, some bills are still being refiled by former colleagues in subsequent legislative sessions.

But the 2019-20 Legislative session was important also for what Representative Russell helped block as much as what he supported. Here is a list of bills that Representative Russell and his colleagues prevented from veto overrides from the Republican majority. Despite the Republicans’ deception and relentless attacks, we upheld every one of Governor Cooper’s vetoes, protecting public health, ensuring school safety, supporting public school teachers, standing firm on Medicaid Expansion, objecting to wasteful pork barrel spending, denying civil rights, and protecting women’s reproductive health.

Being a Representative is more than writing bills and voting; serving constituents’ needs is just as important. As Representative Russell said many times, “Even in a minority party, a representative can advocate for his/her constituents.” Hundreds of people across the district can attest to his relentless advocacy.

These items of constituent services stand out:

  • Representative Russell became known as the “Representative who fought for Unemployed Workers” even beyond the 93rd District during the COVID-19 pandemic. He and his office staff organized a process to advocate for unemployment benefits, helping hundreds of people access their rightful benefits.
  • Representative Russell advocated that businesses across the district find financial resources, apply for loans and grants, and stay informed.
  • Representative Russell broadcast a weekly email newsletter with up-to-date, accurate pandemic information, sent to thousands of people.
  • Representative Russell constructively intervened with the university and a few businesses that were adhering to safe practices during the pandemic.
  • Representative Russell successfully intervened on behalf of scores of individuals who were being treated unfairly by their employers, government agencies, and other circumstances.
  • Representative Russell intervened on behalf of Hospitality House of NW NC with state and federal agencies to resolve month-long delays in the reimbursement of $100,000s in federal grant funds, which put their ability to serve residents at risk.
  • Representative Russell offered to meet with every government body in the 93rd District, and some took him up on the offer. Additionally, Representative Russell held Town Hall events at least every six months across the district.

Watauga County Commission (2022-24)

Dr. Russell was appointed to the Watauga County Commission following a recommendation from the Watauga County Democratic Party in October 2022 and served until December 2024. He was an advocate for workforce housing, increased childcare availability, efficient government, child services, recreation resources, healthcare access, drug abuse rehab and counseling, citizens’ rights, public safety and law enforcement, and much more. While on the county commission, he carried double the committee load of any other commissioner, including:

  • Vaya Health Regional Board
  • UNC Appalachian Hospital Board
  • Watauga County Recreation Committee
  • Watauga County Social Services Advisory Board
  • Watauga County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
  • High Country Council of Governments Executive Board
  • Rural Transportation Advisory Committee
  • Opioid Settlement Allocation Task Force

Major decisions by the Commission and work by Commissioner Russell during his time in office:

• Affordable Housing

o Commissioner Russell supported commissioning a study of the need for affordable housing in Watauga County.
Commissioner Russell supports the findings and recommendations of the Workforce Housing Study because they clearly show that Watauga County’s housing crisis is already hurting working families, employers, and essential services. Nearly half of county households are low- or moderate-income, yet rising home prices, scarce rentals, and long commutes are pushing teachers, healthcare workers, childcare providers, and public safety employees out of the county. The study demonstrates that the private market alone is not meeting workforce needs, and Commissioner Russell supports a data-driven approach that includes coordination with towns and utilities and careful use of public land to create housing options for the people who live and work here. Addressing workforce housing, he believes, is essential to keeping Watauga County livable and functional for the long term.

o Commissioner Russell supported funding requests from Watauga Community Housing Trust

o Commissioner Russell planned and received Commission support for nearly $90,000 for health and safety issues for low-income renters in Watauga County. This project, administered by WAMY, was devised and pushed through the county commission for approval.

• Childcare
o In the 2024-2025 county budget, Commissioner Russell emphasized that affordable, reliable childcare is essential to both working families and a stable local workforce. He supported setting aside $50,000 to support future childcare needs, creating the flexibility to respond to gaps in availability, affordability, or workforce shortages in the childcare sector. While modest, this funding represents an intentional first step toward treating childcare as critical infrastructure — not a private luxury — and acknowledges that parents, employers, and educators all depend on access to quality early childhood care for the community to function and grow.

o Commissioner Russell supported commissioning a countywide study of childcarein Watauga County. This study, The Watauga County Childcare Study, confirms what working families already know: childcare is one of the biggest barriers to a strong workforce and a healthy local economy. The study found a severe shortage of affordable, full-day childcare—especially for infants and toddlers—with long waitlists and very limited availability. Nearly three-quarters of children under five live in households where all parents are working, yet there are fewer than 1,000 licensed childcare slots countywide and almost no capacity for infants. Childcare costs push many families out of the workforce, particularly women, and employers report lost productivity and difficulty retaining workers. The study recommends investing in the childcare workforce through better pay and training, expanding affordable childcare options, supporting home-based and nonprofit providers, and treating childcare as essential economic infrastructure. Addressing childcare is not just about families—it is about growing the workforce, supporting employers, and ensuring Watauga County’s long-term economic health.

• Public Schools

o Commissioner Russell supported constructing the Valley Crucis Elementary School, investing about $50 million in the future of children in Watauga County.

o CommissionerRussellsupportedthe2024-2025countybudgetthatmadeaclear commitment to supporting school employees by strengthening local supplements and investing in professional growth. The Board approved a $130,000 increase for school employee supplements to help retain experienced teachers and staff, along with $25,000 to support National Board Certification for educators who pursue advanced credentials. These local investments complement state funding and reflect an understanding that strong schools depend on people — not just buildings. At a time when recruitment and retention are real challenges, the county stepped up to help move education jobs closer to a livable wage and to recognize the value of highly trained educators serving our community.

  • Allocation of the first 2 years of Opioid Settlement
    Commissioner Russell was one of two commissioners on the task force that proposed allocating Opioid settlement funds. He advocated for a balanced allocation that addressed prevention, family support, and treatment. Grants were made to App Health Care ($161,245), the Hospitality House ($75,000), the Mediation and Restorative Justice Center ($174,690), Western Youth Network ($85,205), and High Country Community Health ($150,000).
  • Livable Wages and Stability for County Employees
    o In 2023, Commissioner Russell supported a budget that gave County Employees a 7% pay increase.

    o In May 2024, Commissioner Russell supported a comprehensive Pay and Classification Study to fix long-standing pay and retention problems across county government and move the county toward a livable wage for all employees. The study showed that many workers — including deputies, EMS, telecommunicators, and human services staff — were paid below market and stuck near the bottom of their pay ranges despite years of service. The Board adopted a new pay structure, guaranteed every employee at least a 5% increase or movement to the minimum of their grade, added longevity pay to address salary compression, and strengthened insurance benefits by fully covering premiums for full-time employees. The plan was fully built into the budget and represents a deliberate investment in public safety, service reliability, and government effectiveness — because when counties fail to retain experienced workers, everyone pays the price. This was done with no increase in county tax rates.

  • Public Safety

o Supported the planning for the countywide Emergency Management communications upgrade

o Commissioner Russell supported the purchase of the property, the planning,and the construction of the County Emergency Services Building. The goal was to build an advanced, modern facility designed to strengthen emergency response and public safety for decades to come.

  • Commissioner Russell advocated for resources and served as the primary County Commission liaison for social services, juvenile crime prevention, and the regional health department.
  • Fair Elections and Voting Rights
    In June 2024, Commissioner Russell took forceful, transparent action to protect the voting rights and voice of all Watauga County residents by advancing a new electoral plan for voter consideration. After reviewing multiple map options and legal requirements, he supported a district map designed to balance population, respect communities of interest, and avoid concentrating power in any one area. The plan preserves countywide representation through at-large seats while ensuring that different parts of the county have a meaningful voice through district elections. Most importantly, the proposal puts the final decision in the hands of voters through a public referendum, affirming that changes to how commissioners are elected should be decided by citizens — not imposed behind closed doors. That ballot measure passed in November, gaining the support of 71% of Watauga County voters.

Public Parks and Recreation

o Commissioner Russell supported the Howard Knob Park Revitalization Project to ensure one of Boone’s most iconic public spaces is accessible, safe, and welcoming for everyone. The project modernizes aging infrastructure, adds ADA- accessible features, improves overlooks and picnic areas, and protects the natural character of the site while enhancing the visitor experience. With construction nearing completion, the revitalized park will soon reopen as a fully accessible destination that reflects a commitment to public recreation, smart investment, and stewardship of a beloved community landmark.

o Commissioner Russell was the board’s representative on the Parks and Recreation Committee. He repeatedly supported, by funding and in other ways, enhancements to county parks, facilities, and programs.

• No tax rate increases were needed in the two budgets approved in my time on the board. Watauga County has the second-lowest property tax rate in NC.

Member of the North Carolina State Community College Board

Dr. Russell was appointed to the State Community College Board by Governor Cooper in December 2021 and reappointed in July 2023. He served until June 2025.

This board provides governance for the 58-campus system of community colleges in North Carolina. Its mission is “The mission of the North Carolina Community College System is to open the door to high-quality, accessible educational opportunities that minimize barriers to postsecondary education, maximize student success, and improve the lives and well-being of individuals.” Dr. Russell is a member of two board committees: the Personnel Committee and the State Board Policy and Governance Committee. He served as Chair of the Governance Committee in 2023 and on the President Search Committee in 2022-2023, which resulted in the hiring of Dr. Jeff Cox. Dr. Russell worked tirelessly to combat rising partisanship on the board and to advocate for students, faculty, and programs to address North Carolina’s growing need for technical skills, educators, healthcare workers, public safety employees, and many others. He also helped advance the growing importance of community colleges in early college and university transfer programs, making college education more affordable and available for North Carolinians. His membership on the Board ended June 30, 2025, when the legislature took all appointment powers from the governor.

In 2023, Dr. Russell fought hard for changes to SB 692. He teamed with other board members and Governor Cooper’s office to prevent what amounted to a Senate takeover of the State Board. The effort resulted in many changes to the bill (eventually adopted in the state budget bill) and delayed implementation of many parts of the bill by two years.

Professional Career before 2016

Ray Russell’s first professional appointment after graduation was as the Minister for the Ashland Mississippi Church of Christ, located in the second poorest county in Mississippi. He was there for only about 1.5 years. We had much success as a church, but the work was difficult because of so much poverty and racism, both within and outside the church. Even as a young minister, Ray did not shy away from difficult topics, addressing racism head-on. But this time gave him an up-close, personal perspective on the faces of poverty and racism.

1980 marked a major turn in Ray’s career. While he still worked at times as a minister in a part-time capacity for many years, he became a computer scientist. He taught at Freed-Hardeman University, Georgia Tech as a graduate assistant, and Virginia Commonwealth University before settling at Appalachian State University in 1991.

Ray had a successful career in research, working in software engineering and human-computer interface design. He did research in commercial aircraft cockpit design, computer science education, and software designer behavior. He combined his interests in meteorology and human factors to publish a paper on the design of forecasting tools and processes to support effective forecasting.

At Appalachian State University, Dr. Russell became the first Chair of the Computer Science Department in 1998. Over his 30-year tenure there, he taught all the foundational computer science courses, but eventually settled into teaching Software Engineering, Databases, Human- Computer Interface Design, and the Junior and Senior Seminar classes (covering ethics, professionalism, and writing in the discipline).

RaysWeather.Com

RaysWeather.Com grew out of a hobby in the late 1990s. There was no template for building this business, especially in 2000. We simply worked hard every day to address the community’s needs—safety, culture, recreation, economics, tourism, etc. By 2005, we were the most widely read media outlet of any kind headquartered in NW North Carolina. We are having a lasting impact on the region’s economy, culture, and safety.

Ray wears many hats in the company: forecaster (but not the only forecaster there), strategic planner, chief executive officer, (sometimes) programmer, supervisor, graphic designer (sometimes), salesperson, writer, and whatever else the company needs to grow. As the internet has changed and grown, RaysWeather has had to reinvent itself three times—each one a challenge. We continue to grow in influence and grow the range of meteorological products we offer.

But the goals have never changed from 2000—provide the best weather information available for the region, keep people safe, celebrate all that is good in the communities we serve, make our communities better, and have fun.

Volunteerism, Personal Interests, and Family

Dr. Russell has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including 3 years as Campaign Chair of the High Country United Way, 3 years on the Middle Fork Greenway Task Force, and the ZAP Endurance Board of Directors.

Dr. Russell has volunteered for the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway, served as a speaker in schools and community organizations at least monthly, and for Hospitality House. RaysWeather.com has donated well over $10,000 to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and the Blue Ridge Conservancy. RaysWeather.Com was the corporate sponsor of the Watauga High School Women’s Soccer Team in 2025. He has volunteered his services to more organizations and schools than can be listed here.

Dr. Russell is an avid runner. He has completed 11 marathons, including 3 Boston Marathons. In 2016, Dr. Russell became the second person to ever run the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway—469 miles in 23 days with 55,000’ of total climb. He did this to celebrate the Centennial Year of the National Park Service and to raise money for the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. See RelayWithRay.Com for details of the event and a running blog. Dr. Russell is also an RRCA (Road Runners Club of America) Certified Running Coach.

Dr. Russell has been married to Rhonda Russell for 48 years. Rhonda was a Pre-K and Kindergarten teacher for 15 years (Banner Elk, Mabel, and Parkway Schools) and has been an Instructor in the Department of Child and Family Studies at Appalachian State University for the last 16 years and is now a Senior Instructor in early childhood education at Appalachian State. She is a frequent speaker at conferences, workshops, and childcare professional development programs. They have two daughters: Leah Berry, a clinical psychologist and owner of Avery Ridge Counseling in Raleigh, and Laura Kennedy, a pharmacist working as a senior policy analyst at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in Washington, DC. Both Leah and Laura graduated from Watauga County High School. Leah graduated from Appalachian State University. Ray and Rhonda have 5 grandchildren, ages 4 to 13.