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Claire Russ, Director of Research and Program Analysis of CMHA, brings over 15 years of housing experience to CMHA. She joined the CMHA Executive Office team in 2018, and since then, has utilized advanced qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze complex organizational programs and recommends changes to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of operations and management. Russ began her housing career as a Summer Intern at the second-largest provider of affordable housing in Philadelphia.

She transitioned up into the role of Property Manager which consisted of project-based developments for special populations and transitional housing for those with behavioral-health-diagnosed conditions. Russ held additional positions with Asher & Company Ltd. as Manager and BDO USA, LLP as Senior Manager. As Senior Manager, she engaged housing agencies and other industry players in institutional change. Working closely with public housing authority staff, she provided tactical support and operational and financial insight, sharing her skills and perspective to help public housing authorities build capacity. Her engagements focused on compliance with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development requirements, organizational assessments, public housing assessment system scoring and maximization, budget and cost allocation plan development, troubling agency recovery and strategic planning. While at BDO, she managed client work and relationships, edited and authored leadership articles and co-led business developments.

Russ received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Writing and a Women’s Studies Certificate from the University of Pittsburgh. She earned her Public Housing Manager certification through the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials as well as her certification in procurement through the American Purchasing Society. As a national subject matter expert and the trainer for the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association’s Executive Directors’ Education Program on PHAS/SEMAP coursework, Russ has presented concurrent sessions on various financial, operational and procurement topics at state, regional and national public housing industry conferences.