Tom Russo, MA, CEM

     410 32nd Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC
    russotpcem@gmail.com

    Curriculum Vita Overview


  • Education
  • Work Experience
  • Professional Development
  • Exercise Experience
  • Teaching & Training
  • Grantsmanship
  • Publications
  • Presentations
  • Service
  • Honor & Certifications

    • PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

    Tom Russo, a practitioner with an academic curiosity, is an award winning author, instructor, and trainer. Trained in emergency management, homeland security and public health, he has 30 years of strategic planning, project management and professional development experience. Russo holds the Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) credential from the International Association of Emergency Managers and graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School's Center for Homeland Defense and Security with a Master's degree in Homeland Security Studies.

    Russo has written extensively on Corvette restoration and preservation while also freelancing on topics related to healthcare preparedness aspects of homeland security. His book Chicago Rink Rats: The Roller Capital in its Heyday was published November 2017 by The History Press and awarded First Place/Gold in the history category by the Feathered Quill book review program. In July, the Elmhurst History Museum (Chicago suburb) created a roller skate exhibit, based on Russo's book and featuring the Elmhurst "Elm Rink." The exhibit will run from July through November 2018.

     

    EDUCATION

    Master of Arts in Security Studies (M.A.), Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense & Security, September, 2010.

    • Thesis Title: Strategic Policy for Pandemic Vaccine Distribution
    • Major: Homeland Security Studies
    • Thesis Nominated for Best of Class

    Master of Science in Education (M.S. Ed.), Southern Illinois University, Graduate School, August 1979.

    • Thesis Title: Characteristics Differentiating Communities with Physicians from Communities without physicians in Rural Southern Illinois
    • Major: Health Education
    • Concentration: Social Marketing, Public Health and health promotion

    B.A./B.S. Southern Illinois University, May 1977.

    • Received dual degrees in Psychology & Public Health Nutrition; B.S. degree was a special major in public health nutrition and served as template for development of public health nutrition as an established degree program.
    • Honors: Undergraduate teaching assistantship

    (return to overview)

    Work Experience Highlights

    Adjunct Faculty, Columbia College, SC, 2013 - Present.
    Served as a member of the Advisory Board in the establishment of the Emergency Management undergraduate degree progam. Participated in course development and review of emergency management, homeland security and terrorism courses.

      Developed and revised undergraduate courses to support the degree program. Instruct introductory homeland security, emergency management and the epidemics and bioterrorism courses.

    Instructor, Louisiana State University NCBRT, 2016 - 2021.
      Instructor for National Center for Biomedical Research & Training's (NCBRT) MGT 409 Community Healthcare Planning and Response to Disasters course and Biological Incidents Awareness: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) course.

    Director, Emergency Preparedness, South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control Region 6, 2002-2013.

    • Lead the development of a tri-county, multi-disciplinary, mass fatality/family assistance workshop, plan and exercise program to assess the integration of the local plan with state and federal resources. State resources included South Carolina Coroner's Association, South Carolina Baptist Convention Disaster Relief, SC DHEC's Office of Vital Record. Federal resources included personnel representing DMORT FAC, and NTSB.
    • Transform public health region from a seasonal, singular threat to an all-hazards, incident command directed first responder partner.
    • Plan and direct emergency response and recovery for public health emergencies
    • Used grant funds to renovate a training room into a high-tech emergency operation center, integrating, audiovisual, data and internet into one system.
    • Wrote and executed plan of action to train and ready public health workforce of over 200 employees in compliance with NIMS and the adoption of ICS.
    • Grew the ESF 8 medical response capabilities through participation in the homeland security grant program, exercising the state's mobile medical facility and developing plans that integrate federal, state and local medical assets.
    • Work closely with emergency response partners including public safety, emergency management, hospitals and private sector partners
    • Used CDC supplemental pandemic grant funds to introduce, develop and write continuity of operations planning for hospital and public safety partners.
    • Manage public information functions for the Region.

    Principal, Russo & Associates, 1998-02.

    Consult with small to mid-size profit and non-profits on special projects, including information technology systems, technical writing and capital campaigns.

    • Strategic planning and capital campaign development for non-profit organizations
    • Project management including y2k project...business as usual January 1st, 2000
    • Worked with organizations whose leadership saw need to introduce financial controls, management techniques and organizational structure. For example, a non-profit had begun its first leadership transition. Established a six-month plan of action with budget revealing a $1.3 million budget for year two.

    General Manager & EVP, Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce 1987-98.

    • Budget increased from $2.76 to $7.25 million. Achieved seven consecutive unqualified audit opinions while overhauling the accounting system.
    • Over ten year period, finances evolved from debt, negative cash flow and negative fund balance to debt-free, positive cash flow and positive fund balance.
    • Worked closely with Hugo Economic Renewal Fund. Setup structure, methods, and managed pledge collections for the $1.6 million Fund.

    Director of Health Education, South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control Region 6, 1980-87.

    Direct health promotion efforts in multi-county district. Consulted with business, industry, schools, state agencies, and municipalities developing employee health programs.

    • Taught BCLS courses to hospital, EMS and public health personnel. Introduced and expanded health promotion within BCLS curriculum. Trained instructors in BCLS core concepts.
    • Grant writing and proposals generated over $60,000 for education programs.
    • Established health promotion coalitions for state and local health organizations

    Graduate Assistant, Community Health Program Development, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, 1977-79.

    Worked through college completing Master's degree. Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, 1979. Graduate Assistantship: assisted in development of major research proposal to National Institutes of Health for $900,000 LIFE Hypertension program. Conducted studies for health systems agency, drafted Certificate of Need for hospitals. Completed a major research study of 220 communities in 30 counties using demographic and medical characteristics. Results published in Master’s thesis (1975-79).

    (return to overview)

    PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

    Leadership & Management:
    • Certified Emergency Manager (CEM®), International Association of Emergency Managers, Lifetime Certification
    • South Carolina Executive Institute, Columbia College, State Budget & Control Board, April 2005
    • Academy for Public Health Preparedness, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 2004
    • Institutes for Organization Management, University of Delaware, US Chamber of Commerce, Newark, DE, 1988-93
    • Leadership Grand Strand VII, Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, 1986-87

    (return to overview)

    Coursework: Homeland Security & Preparedness

    • MGT-348 Medical Preparedness & Response to Domestic for Bombing Incidents . National Center for Biomedical Research & Training Academy, Louisiana State University in cooperation with Horry County Emergency Management, Conway, SC February 2013.

    • AWR 147: Rail Car Incident Response, Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security, Myrtle Beach, March 2010.

    • EOC Management and Operations Course (G775), South Carolina Emergency Management Division, Effingham, SC January 14-15, 2009.

    • HSEEP (Homeland Security Exercise & Evaluation Program) Orientation Course, SC Emergency Management Division, South Carolina Hospital Association, Columbia, SC March 2008.

    • E960: Recovery & Mitigation: Integrated Emergency Management Course for Horry County, SC. Emergency Management Institute, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security, Emmitsburg, MD Jan 28 – Feb 1, 2008.

    • Mobile Preparedness Course, Division of Strategic National Stockpile, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Charleston, SC January 25 & 26, 2007.

    • Mass Fatalities Incident Response Course (G386), South Carolina Emergency Management Division, Columbia, SC, June 29 & 30, 2006.

    • WMD Responder Operations Radiological/Nuclear Course, Bechtel Nevada Counter Terrorism Ops Support, Florence, SC May 4, 2006

    • WMD Radiological/Nuclear Awareness/Train-the-Trainer Course, Bechtel Nevada Counter Terrorism Ops Support, Florence, SC May 1, 2006

    • NIMS I-300/400, UNITECH, Myrtle Beach Fire Station #6, Myrtle Beach, April 12-14, 2006.

    • Chemistry of Hazardous Materials. County of Charleston Hazardous Materials Division, DHEC EQC, Myrtle Beach, August 22, 2005.

    • Incident Management/Unified Command for Terrorism/CBRNE Incidents (MGT 313). The Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) in cooperation with the National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center (NERRTC), Conway, SC April 11-13, 2005.

    • E905: Preparedness and Response: Integrated Emergency Management Course for Horry County, SC. Emergency Management Institute, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security, Emmitsburg, MD March 28 – April 1, 2005.

    • WMD Incident Management / Unified Command Concepts (WMD-006), the National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center (NERRTC) online course at http://teexwmdcampus.com, March 27, 2005

    • National Incident Management System (NIMS IS-700): An Introduction, FEMA, SC Hurricane/Emergency Management Conference, Hilton Head Island, SC, March 16, 2005

    • Prevention & Response to Suicide Bombing Incidents: Awareness Level, New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology, SC Hurricane/Emergency Management Conference, Hilton Head Island, SC March 15, 2005

    • Emergency Response to Domestic Biological Incidents: Operations Level. National Center for Biomedical Research & Training Academy, Louisiana State University in cooperation with the US Department of Homeland Security, Conway, SC October, 2004.

    • Threat & Risk Assessment Course. The National Emergency Response & Rescue Training Center, Office of Domestic Preparedness, US Department of Homeland Security, Myrtle Beach, SC August 10-12, 2004.

    • WMD Hands-On-Training Course. Center for Domestic Preparedness, US Department of Homeland Security, Anniston, AL January 8-9, 2004

    • WMD Incident Command Course. Center for Domestic Preparedness, US Department of Homeland Security, Anniston, AL January 4-7, 2004

    • Weapons of Mass Destruction Executive level Training Program. National Sheriff’s Association, Conway, SC April 28-29, 2003

    • The Public Health Agency Role in Incident Command Systems. Sponsored by CDC and FEMA, conducted by the National Association of County & City Health Officials, Texas, February 2003.

    • Clinical Management of Adverse Events Following Smallpox Vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Conway, SC

    • Smallpox Preparedness: Considerations for Response Team Volunteers. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Conway, SC December 20, 2002.

    • CDC Bioterrorism Update: Smallpox Preparedness – Part 2. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Conway, SC December 6, 2002.

    • CDC Bioterrorism Update: Smallpox Preparedness – Part 1. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Conway, SC December 5, 2002.

    Professional Development Advisory Roles:

    • Advisory Board for Emergency Management Program, Columbia College, SC, 2103-Present. Serve on the advisory board to establish a Bachelor's Degree program in emergency management/homeland security. Provide oversight of curriculum development, make recommendations for academic content and review selected course content.
    • Board of Regents, Charleston Institute, College of Charleston, SC, National Chamber Foundation, US Chamber of Commerce, 1994-99. Served on volunteer board to develop, facilitate and teach association professionals (chamber, foundation) the essentials of non-profit organization management.
    • Affiliate Faculty, South Carolina Heart Affiliate, SC, 1981-88. Served on statewide board to develop and establish guidelines for instructing Basic Cardiac Life Support course content. Provided input and established guidance for developing and training BSLS instructors and instructor/trainers while conducting instructor courses.

    (return to overview)

    EXERCISE EXPERIENCE

    Served in a variety of multi-jurisdictional and state exercises. Roles included HSEEP exercise development, planner, evaluator, observer and player. Also wrote After Action Reports using HSEEP format. Scenarios targeted WMD emergencies  (explosive, chemical and biological), mass casualty, mass fatality and pandemic using tabletop, functional and full-scale exercise formats.

    • Exercise Director & Facilitator, Mass Fatality/Family Assistance Center Tabletop Exercise, SC Department of Health, Murrells Inlet, April 2012
    • Incident Commander, SCMed Field Deployment Full-Scale Exercise of Federal, state & local medical assets, SC DHEC, Myrtle Beach, April 2009
    • Exercise Director & Facilitator, Isolation & Quarantine Tabletop Exercise, SC South Carolina Hospital Association, July 2008
    • Player, Pee Dee Region Mass Casualty Full Scale Exercise, SC WMD Exercise Program, Horry County Public Safety, Hard Rock Park, Myrtle Beach, Feb, 2008.
    • Exercise Director, Facilitator, Pandemic Influenza Continuity of Operations Tabletop Exercise, SC DHEC Region 6 Regional Leadership Team, July 2007
    • Observer, South Carolina Antiviral Distribution Tabletop Exercise, Strategic National Stockpile, SC Department of Health & Environmental Control, Columbia, SC Summer 2007.
    • Exercise Director, Mass Vaccination Clinic Full Scale Exercise. City of Myrtle Beach Base Recreation Center, Myrtle Beach. ICS used to develop and conduct exercise as a special event. Extensive evaluation incorporated into exercise and documented with After Action Report, November 2006.
    • Evaluator, Planning Committee, Darlington Raceway WMD Chemical/Explosive Mass Casualty Functional Exercise, SC WMD Exercise Program, SC Emergency management Division, November 9, 2006
    • Evaluator, Planning Committee Darlington Raceway WMD Chemical/Explosive Full Scale Exercise,Florence SC, 2005.
    • Evaluator, WMD Exercise Program: Mass Casualty Functional Exercise: SC WMD Exercise Program, SC Emergency management Division, November 9, 2006
    • Planning Committee, Player, Pee Dee region Mass Casualty Functional Exercise, November 2006
    • Evaluator, Planning Committee, Chemical Terrorism Tabletop Exercise: Darlington Raceway, SC WMD Exercise Program, SC Emergency management Division,Pee Dee Region, Darlington, September 2004
    • Facilitator, Planning Committee Ricin Tabletop Exercise, A joint exercise co-hosted by Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Horry County Safety Division & SC DHEC Region 6, Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Myrtle Beach, April 2004
    • Co-Facilitator, Planning Committee, SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) Tabletop Exercise, Horry County Public Safety Division & SC DHEC Region 6, May 5, 2003.
    • Observer, Horry County Mass Casualty Exercise, Horry County Public Safety Division, Atlantic Center Complex, Conway, December 2003

    (return to overview)

    TEACHING & TRAINING

    Adjunct Faculty, Columbia College, SC, Present.

    • Coursework: EM 102 - Introduction to Homeland Security

    • Coursework: EM 101 - Introduction to Emergency Management

    • Coursework: EM 473 - Epidemics & Bioterrorism.
    Instructor & Trainer, SC DHEC Region 6, 2002-2013.

    • Incident Command: Taught ICS 101, 102 and coached management team members on role using NIMS incident command system for health & medical emergencies

    • Continuity of Operations: Developed and conducted six week (six hours/day) training and exercise course for region management team

    • Pandemic preparedness: Emphasis on incident management, pharmaceutical distribution & public health orders for public health, first responders and hospital personnel.

    Trainer, National Corvette Restorers Society, 2006-Present.

    • Instruct at the triennial Judges Training Retreat

    • Teaching areas: Trained judges the basics of Corvette Judging using the NCRS Matrix System
    • Seminars: Corvette build records, assembly, production & restoration

    Affiliate Faculty (CPR Instructor), South Carolina Heart Association, 1981-88.

    • Teaching areas: BCLS instructor & instructor/trainer courses

    • Teaching areas: Basic Cardiac Life Support course (medical personnel)

    Trainer, JOTS (Jaycee Officer Training School), United State Jaycees 1985-87.

    • Teaching areas: Management development, and leadership principles for state and local Jaycee officers.

    Adjunct Faculty, Coastal Carolina College, College of Education, 1982-83.

    • Coursework: Community Health

    Graduate Assistant, Southern Illinois University, College of Education, Department of Health Education, 1977-79

    • Coursework: Personal health

    (return to overview)

    PUBLICATIONS

    Academic & Professional Journals:

    • Russo, Tom, "Pandemic Policy and the Logistics of COVID-19 Mass Vaccination," Homeland Security Affairs, The Journal of the Naval Postgraduate School's Center for Homeland Defense and Security, 16, December 2020
    • Russo, Tom, "Public Health: A Whole Community Approach Partner," Domestic Preparedness Journal, Volume 12 Issue 7, July 2016
    • Russo, Tom, "Origins of Homeland Security: The National Security Act of 1947," unpublished
    • Russo, Tom, "Transportation Requirements for Special Needs Populations," Domestic Preparedness Journal, Volume 9 Issue 4, April 2013
    • Russo, Tom, "Healthcare Sector Interoperability," Domestic Preparedness Journal, Volume 8 Issue 8, August 2012
    • Russo, Tom, "Mass-Fatality Surge & Family Assistance," Domestic Preparedness Journal, Volume 8 Issue 5, May 2012
    • Russo, Tom, "Pandemic Vaccine Distribution Policy for the Twenty-First Century," Homeland Security Affairs, The Journal of the Naval Postgraduate School's Center for Homeland Defense and Security, Volume VIII, February 2012
    • Russo, Tom, "All-Hazards COOP for Medical Facilities,” Jr of South Carolina Medical Association, Volume 107, June 2011. Russo, Tom, "Leveraging COOP for Biological Incidents: Natural, Accidental, or Bioterrorism,” Jr of South Carolina Medical Association, Volume 105, June 2009.
    • Russo, Tom, "Marketing the Myrtle Beach Area: Methodology and Preliminary Results,” Coastal Business Review, Coastal Carolina University, 1996
    • Russo, Tom, "Who’s Coming to Town?” Coastal Business Review, Coastal Carolina University, 1994
    • Bates, I.J., Lacey, E.P., & Russo, T.P. Physician shortages in Southern Illinois: An analysis of primary care service areas. Office of Community Health Program Development, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill, October 1979.

    Magazines/Newsletters:

    • Russo, Tom "The 1975-77 Technical Information Manual and Judging Guide Update The Corvette Restorer, Winter 2021
    • Russo, Tom "The Long-Awaited Major Revision for the 1973-74 TIMJG The Corvette Restorer, Winter 2019
    • Russo, Tom "The Indy Pace Car at Forty" Corvette Magazine, November 2018
    • Russo, Tom "Sharing the Road" Grand Strand Magazine, Oct/Nov 2016
    • Russo, Tom "The 1978 Pace Car: The Final Process" The Corvette Restorer, Spring 2018
    • Russo, Tom "The 1978 Pace Car Front Spoiler: Dealer Prepped or Factory Installed? " The Corvette Restorer, Summer 2018
    • Russo, Tom "Buying Right - C3" Corvette Magazine, February 2017
    • Russo, Tom "The 1978-79 Muncie Four-Speed: What Makes Your M20 Work?" The Corvette Restorer, Summer 2016
    • Russo, Tom, "The Role of Public Private Partnership in Mass Prophylaxis Campaigns", IAEM Bulletin, August 2012
    • Russo, Tom " Buildsheets and the Late Model C3: Authenticating Corvette Options, The Corvette Restorer, Fall 2012
    • Russo, Tom " Rebirth of a Classic: The Good Year P255/60R15., Corvette Enthusiast, September 2010
    • Russo, Tom " Your Tach Says a Lot. Make sure its right., Corvette Enthusiast, March 2010
    • Russo, Tom " Pace Car Decals: Production & Assembly, NCRS Corvette Restorer, Fall 2009
    • Russo, Tom " Tired of Key Twisting: Power Up Those 30-Year Old Door Locks, Corvette Enthusiast, April 2009
    • Russo, Tom " The Four-Speeds of 1978, The Corvette Restorer, Winter 2009
    • Russo, Tom " The Indy Corvette's 30th Anniversary: But what's happened to Pace Car values? Corvette Enthusiast, June 2008
    • Russo, Tom & Stradlater, George " Leading the Pack: 30th Anniversary Pace Car, Corvette Magazine April 2008
    • Russo, Tom " Where the Rubber Meets the Road: 1978-82 Corvette Tire Production, The Corvette Restorer, Winter 2008
    • Russo, Tom " Corvette Tire Safety, Corvette Enthusiast, November 2007
    • Russo, Tom " The Yellow Spare Tire Rim of 1978, The Corvette Restorer, Winter 2007
    • Russo, Tom " Restore Your C3 Fuel Tank Sending Unit, Corvette Enthusiast, October 2006
    • Russo, Tom " Buildsheets and the Late Model C3, The Corvette Restorer, Winter 2006
    • Russo, Tom, " Pandemic Planning: What should EMS agencies do to ready for bird flu," EMS Responder, October 2006
    • Russo, Tom, " Where Does Pan Flu Emergency Response Plug Into My EOC?", IAEM Bulletin, May 2006
    • Russo, Tom, " Getting your EOC Ready for pandemic flu," Homeland Protection Professional, March 2006
    • Russo, Tom " Building a Legend: C5 Corvette," Corvette Fever July 2002
    • Russo, Tom “Locked out and can’t get in? How to bypass a seized C3 lock mechanism.” The Corvette Restorer, Volume 27, Spring 2001
    • Russo, Tom “1976-79 Jack Date Codes”, The Corvette Restorer, 1997.
    • Russo, Tom "Tie One On," Hobie Hotline, July/August 1991
    • Co-Author, "Retirement on Grand Strand," Myrtle Beach Magazine, Nov 1986.

      (return to overview)

      Books:

      Russo, Tom, Chicago Rink Rats: The Roller Capital in its Heyday, The History Press, November, 2017

      Russo, Tom, Corvette Buildsheet Book: A Study Guide to 1973-82 Build Records, Russo & Associates, April, 2013

      Russo, Tom, The Complete Corvette Technical Reference & Study Guide: Volume 3 1968 through 1982. Automobile Quarterly, Unpublished.

      Technical Manuals

      Editor, manual coordinater & Lead Technical Writer, NCRS 1963-64 Corvette Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide, National Corvette Restorer Society, August, 2021

      Editor, manual coordinater & Lead Technical Writer, NCRS 1973-74 Corvette Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide, National Corvette Restorer Society, December, 2018

      Editor, manual coordinater & Lead Technical Writer, NCRS 1975-77 Corvette Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide, National Corvette Restorer Society, March 2020

      Ezine Articles/Web-based Articles:

      Russo, Tom "Buildsheets and the Late Model C3", Corvette Action Center, 2006: URL: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/infosearch/buildsheets.html

      Webinars:

      Russo, Tom, Ready Your Medical Facility for Disaster Response: Developing a Continuity of Operations Plan. Medical Management Web Advisor, December 2012, http://www.medicalpracticemanagementwebadvisor.com/schedule/detail/ready-your-medical-facility-for-disaster-response 

      (return to overview)

      Presentations/Workshops
      • Authenticating Corvette Options: The 1973-82 GMAD Buildsheet, NCRS National Convention, Palm Springs, July 2021
      • Judging Ethics & Etiquette: Corvette Judging Basics, National Corvette Restorers Society Judges Training Retreat, Dallas/Fort Worth Texas, March 2016 and 2019
      • The 2009 H1N1 Influenza Pandemic, South Carolina School Nurse Association, Annual Conference, Myrtle Beach, SC, June 9, 2011
      • CEM Basic Overview, South Carolina Emergency Management Division Offsite Conference, Myrtle Beach, 2011
      • What does Public Safety Need to Know: The 2009 H1N1 Pandemic, South Carolina Emergency Management Association (SCEMA) Annual Conference, Litchfield Beach, SC March 22, 2010
      • Pan Flu Continuity of Operations for Public Health, South Carolina Public Health Association, Annual Conference, Myrtle Beach, SC, May 22, 2007
      • The Impact of a Flu Pandemic on Tourism, Business & Employees, Myrtle Beach Hospitality Association, Myrtle Beach, SC, May 2, 2007
      • The Impact of a Flu Pandemic on Your System & Employees, The South Carolina Rural Water Association, Myrtle Beach, SC, February 23, 2007
      • Preparing your EOC for Pan Flu Emergency Operations, Contingency Planning & Management: A Leader in Global Business Continuity, CPM 2006 East Annual Conference, Orlando, FL October 30, 2006.
      • Pandemic Awareness & COOP for Emergency Response Organizations, Grand Strand Conference Center, Horry Georgetown Technical College, Myrtle Beach, October 2006.
      • Matrix Training: Corvette Judging Basics, NCRS National Convention, San Antonio, Texas, July 2006
      • Matrix Training: Corvette Judging Basics, National Corvette Restorers Society Judges Training Retreat, Austin Texas, January 2006
      • Is South Carolina Ready for a Mass Evacuation of Coastal Hospitals and other Healthcare Facilities? The South Carolina Hospital Association, Columbia, SC March 30, 2006
      • Mass Casualty Care: The Role of Community Health Centers in Disaster Preparedness, The South Carolina Primary Care Association Annual Meeting, Myrtle Beach, May 20, 2004.

      (return to overview)

      Grantsmanship

      • CDC Public Health Preparedness Grant Program. Managed and directed local funds (PHEP & HPP) to develop public health all-hazards emergency response capabilities including pandemic preparedness grant awards. Annual combined budgets averaged $800,000, 2003-present.
      • HHS Hospital Preparedness Program, Managed, advised and counseled local hospitals on the use of grant funds to target medical surge target capabilities.
      • Success Today! Public Education Partners, (an education foundation). Managed a $1.7 million capital campaign in 2001 to fund a four-year strategic plan to improve public schools in the county it served. Campaign raised $500,000.
      • SC PRT Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant program. North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce. Grant request for $90,000, awarded in 2001.
      • SC PRT Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant program, Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce. Wrote and managed grant awards from $450.00 to $655,000.00, matched with local funds for marketing campaigns of $13,000,000, 1987- 98.
      • Building for Tomorrow. Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce. Developed and managed staff driven campaign to raise $1.275 million for new office facility. Campaign raised $700,000.
      • Tutor Mentor Leadership Conference. Developed website for nonprofit while developing electronic proposals seeking corporate financial support. Positioned site (www.tutormentorconference.org) for corporate solicitation and individual contribution using www.guidestar.org.
      • Startup Mission Grant Funds application to Homeless Rescue Services, Inc., Coastal Rescue Mission, July 2000. Awarded $10,000.
      • SC PRT Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant program, Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce. Wrote and managed grant awards from $450.00 to $655,000.00, matched with local funds for total grants awards of $4.2 million, 1987- 98.
      • Hugo Economic Renewal Fund. Worked closely with economic renewal task force in the wake of Hurricane Hugo. Setup structure, methods, and managed pledge collections for the $1.6 million Fund. 1989
      • Health Promotion/Disease Prevention Project. Grant application request for $17,921 to Region IV Rural Health Initiative, Division of Health Service, DHHS. July 1993. Application not funded.
      • Festival in the Park Conway Jaycees grant application to Division of Tourism, S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, Tourism Funds-Sharing Program. Awarded $1450 in state funds to match $1450 in local funds for a budget of $2900, May 1983.
      • Community Education Project. Grant application for Special Initiative Project Funds for Family Planning administered through Division of Family Planning, S.C. DHEC, to Region IV, Division of Health Services, Public Health Service, DHHS, Atlanta, GA. Awarded September 1981 for $17,935
      • The L.I.F.E. High Blood Pressure Control Program. Served on task force to develop grant proposal to National Institutes of Health for pilot evaluation study of community high blood pressure control in rural community with high prevalence of hypertension. Jackson County Hypertension Control Program-Technical Advisory Committee, Carbondale, IL, 1978. Application for $940,411.00 not funded.

      (return to overview)

      SERVICE

      Professional:

      Committee Member -- Access & Functional Needs Committee, Horry County, 2012-2014. Committee Member -- Regional Counter Terrorism Coordinating Council 2004-08.
      Committee Member,       Local Emergency Planning Committee, Horry County, 2003-2013.
      Board Member,       Charleston Institute, College of Charleston, National Chamber Foundation, US Chamber of Commerce, 1994-99. Served on Board of Regents.

      Technical:

      NCRS Master Judge, National Corvette Restorers Society, 1993-Present
      Certification Judge,       Bloomington Gold Corvettes, USA, 2004-Present
      Team Member,       “1973-1974 Corvette Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide,” National Corvette Restorers Society, First Edition 1999.
      Team Member,       “1978-1979 Corvette Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide,” National Corvette Restorers Society, Second Edition, spring 1997.
      Team Member,       "1978-1979 Corvette Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide," National Corvette Restorers Society, First Edition, fall 1995.
      Web Master --       NCRS Southeast Chapter Website Development, 2004.

      Community:

      Member, Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Committee, City of Myrtle Beach, 2013-present
      Member, Board of Directors, Friends of Chapin Memorial Library, City of Myrtle Beach, 2011-2014
      Member,       American Red Cross Rescue Racers, local chapter, 2007-16
      Committee Member,       United Way Allocations Committee, 1989-2012
      Chairman,       South Carolina Jaycee Foundation, Inc. (1985-87)
      Board Member,       The United State Jaycees National Board of Directors, 1984-85
      President,       South Carolina Jaycees, 1984-85
      CPR Instructor,       Grand Strand Chapter of the American Heart Association, 1981-89
      President,       Conway Jaycees, 1981-82

      (return to overview)

      HONORS, AWARDS, and CERTIFICATIONS

      • 2019 Gold/1st Place Award in history category for Chicago Rinks: The Roller Capital in its Heyday by Feathered Quill, an independent author book review program.
      • J. Michael Suber Media Excellence Award, South Carolina Public Health Association, May 2011.
      • Certificate of Appreciation, Rear Admiral W. Craig Vanderwagen, M.D., Assistant Secretary for Preparedness & Response. In support of conduct for full-scale exercise of HHS/ASPR Federal Medical Station May, 2009.
      • CEM®, Certified Emergency Manager, International Association of Emergency Managers, April 7, 2008. 
      • Master Judge, National Corvette Restorers Society, San Antonio Texas 2006
      • Certificate of Appreciation, 354th Tactical Fighter Wing, Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. In support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, May 1991.
      • Emcee, United States Jaycees, Annual Hours of Power, 1989
      • Clayton Frost Memorial Award, The United States Jaycees, State President Leadership Award, June 1985.
      • Affiliate Faculty, BLS, SC Affiliate, American Heart Association, 1983-88.
      • Public Health Service Internship, Rural Health Initiative, Division of Health Services Delivery, Public Health Service, DHEW Region V, Summer 1979.
      • Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, 1979

      (return to overview)

      PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
      • South Carolina Emergency Management Association
      • International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)

       

      Mr. Tom Russo

      Office: 843 283-3685

      Email: russotpcem@gmail.com

      This page updated January 2022