Russ Gugino

Born and raised on Buffalo’s West Side as one of 4 children to Italian-American working class parents, Russ attended Buffalo Public Schools. After graduating from Riverside High School, Russ matriculated to SUNY Binghamton where he not only earned a B.A. in Political Science, but he also met his future wife Jileen with whom they have shared over 40 years of blissful marriage and 5 wonderfully gifted children. He is also very proud of his beautiful grandchildren

Russ’s first professional position was as Assistant to SUNY Chancellor Ernest L.Boyer where he helped coordinate and improve communication with student leaders throughout the State; this was followed by other positions in SUNY dealing with government and labor relations. While serving on the NYS management negotiating team, Russ was contacted by Congressman Jack Kemp and was asked to serve as the Congressman’s District administrative Administrative Assistant. For seven years, Russ ran the Congressman’s District Offices and forged important contacts with the Buffalo business and civic leaders.

In 1985, Russ was appointed Senior Vice President of Community and Government Relations at Children’s Hospital of Buffalo where he assumed responsibilities for fundraising and public relations. After leaving Children’s to start his own consulting business, Russ entered the telecom field and worked with a number of regional and national firms selling telecom equipment as well as voice and data services.

He now serves as a Territory Account Executive with Time Warner Business Class Service where he develops and implements IT solutions for businesses throughout Western New York. Russ lives in Hamburg, New York with his wife Jileen and attends the Wesleyan Church of Hamburg as well as St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.