russell r. smith - Managing Director

Russell R. Smith is an internationally recognized Public Sector strategist and consultant. With global expertise, extensive experience at the highest levels of the federal government and in his 4th decade of driving strategy and success for the growth stage organization, he is a respected leader in delivering public sector results.
 

Founder of the first dedicated innovation practice group in a major Washington DC government relations firm in the 1990's and one of the very few senior federal government relations executives to have also served as an executive team member in the private sector technology industry, he brings a unique perspective and level of experience to the Cactus Constituency client. Russell has built success by fully integrating with his clients and using his expertise to help them quickly adapt to the rapidly changing environments they face. His unique multi-modal approach to creating and enhancing market presence for clients crafts the opportunity for the growth stage organization to cut through the clutter and noise of an increasingly crowded federal and state government market space. Furthermore, the ability to address new or antiquated regulations that impact innovation at the expense or benefit of his clients, combined with an industry leading understanding of the processes and actions required to penetrate the public sector marketplace make him uniquely qualified to drive client success. His broad Policy and Geostrategic understanding provide an exceptional foundation for delivering advisory counsel on an extensive range of corporate and organizational needs. Often representing clients that are producing disruptions in their industries but can deliver cutting edge value to the public sector space, Russell is a recognized expert in helping emerging enterprises facing regulatory challenges and marketplace entry barriers.

Smith's ability to engage with clients at the executive level combined with his private sector background and deep public sector experience has made him an invaluable asset as a government relations and government market specialist, providing strategic counsel in the boardroom that will inform decision making while adding an important and unique voice to leadership of the enterprise.  With over 30 years of managing complex strategy, market and policy focused government affairs challenges, Russell is a strategic partner for his clients, identifying opportunities, evaluating challenges, and delivering solutions to help them accomplish their public sector goals.