Edgewood City School District Welcomes Frank Russo as Director of Public Relations
Trenton, Ohio – Edgewood City School District, located in Butler County halfway between Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio, is pleased to announce that Frank Russo will become the new Director of Public Relations for the district beginning Monday, November 16, 2020. In this role, Russo will lead all aspects of the district’s internal and external communications.
Russo, former teacher and coach, comes to Edgewood after serving as Athletic Director for Trotwood Madison City School District, 2019 state champions in both football and basketball.
About the newly appointed Director of PR, Superintendent Russ Fussnecker stated, “Edgewood is a thriving community with a tradition of excellence. Frank is a likeminded educator who shares our passion for bringing out the best in all students and putting the community’s best foot forward. Frank’s experience, professionalism, and energy make him an ideal fit for Edgewood. We are happy to have him on board.”
While at Trotwood, Russo led media communications on several key events in the district including the impact that Covid-19 had on the district and its athletic programs, the district moving to “independent”, and the 2019 F4 tornado that displaced many students and families in the community. In addition, during the spring 2020 Covid-19 shutdown, Russo nominated the defending state champion basketball team for Scott Van Pelt’s “ESPN Senior Night”, where the team was recognized.
Prior to his tenure at Trotwood, Russo served as Assistant Director at LaSalle High School where his primary responsibilities involved building a strong media presence. While at LaSalle, Russo initiated a social media strategy, partnered with Boxcast to broadcast football and basketball games, led athletic communications with local media, and negotiated a partnership with Adidas to elevate the athletic department's brand image. In addition, Russo built one of the most decorated Cross Country and Track & Field programs in Ohio history. Oh.milesplit.com named LaSalle Cross Country as "Ohio's All-Time Best Cross Country Program" (Aug. 2017). His programs combined to win 70 championships, which included 4 state titles and 6 state runner-up finishes.
Previously, Russo served as President of the Southwest Ohio Track and Cross Country Coaches Association, and was named to the nationally recognized Brooks Running "Inspire Daily" Coaches program. He represented the National Scholastic Indoor Championship as a recruiter and promoter, and served as an ambassador for the Nike Cross Nationals. Russo has also been inducted into 5 Halls of Fame, most recently the Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches, as well as Buddy LaRosa's High School Sports Hall of Fame.
Upon receiving the news about his new position at Edgewood, Russo said, "I am honored and looking forward to serving the Edgewood community.”
Frank is married to his wife of 32 years and has two adult children.