DeLisa Duncan Russell

Meet DeLisa Duncan Russell

DeLisa is a nationally recognized expert in trauma and trauma recovery. In a long career working with the military, Veterans, the religious community, and in private practice, she has extensive experience with complex behavioral health and addiction issues. She is a Texas-licensed social worker and licensed professional counselor–supervisor.

DeLisa has developed nationally recognized programs that have been utilized by all branches of the Department of Defense. She has partnered with legislative staff on the state and national levels to address Veterans’ issues, and with individual and corporate donors to raise over $5 million for Veteran causes.

Scholar Work

DeLisa is currently serving as one of 33 Scholars who form the George W. Bush Institute’s Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program’s fifth annual class. The program is a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at individuals serving our Nation’s veterans and their families who are motivated to broaden their skillsets, knowledge, and influence across the country. Participants are selected after a rigorous application and interview process. This year they have studied with a variety of nationally-known and distinguished professionals, educators, and experts in leadership development, such as the eighth United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald, retired United States Air Force General Alfred Flowers, Bush Institute Senior Fellow Dr. Deborah Birx, retired General Peter Pace the 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Alex Gorsky the former chairman and CEO of Johnson and Johnson.

A strategic and respected leader as a Group CEO, DeLisa has achieved financial and operational success within startups, turnaround, and rapid change environments. Her peers have called her a driven, visionary servant leader with an uncanny way of uniting a room toward a common cause. Her infectious enthusiasm moves organizations forward.