Russell became a Councillor of the Australian Retailers Association, New South Wales Division in 1995. He held the position of President of the NSW State Division from 2001-03. From 1997 he held the position of state delegate to the Australian Retailers Association National Council. He served as President of the Australian Retailers Association National Council from 2003-04. Being involved in a small business Russell brings a closer perspective of day to day issues as he is in close contact with staff and customers and also deals with the managerial issues of operating and financing a Small Medium Enterprise.