Time at KEYSYS
Russell joined KEYSYS nearly two years ago, and as he says, “Two years will be coming early summer.” In that short time, he’s become a steady, supportive presence on our team—always willing to lend his knowledge and insight.
Career Journey
Russell’s path through the tech world is anything but linear—and that’s exactly what makes it inspiring. He began his career as a COBOL developer at Russell Athletic, then transitioned into a Systems Admin role at Alfa Insurance. When it became clear he also knew Java, he moved into web development, eventually earning several promotions.
After relocating with his family to Opelika, he took on a role as an Interface Web Developer at EAMC. Following the birth of their second child, Russell and his wife made the decision to return to the Birmingham area. That move opened the door to several remote roles, including Sitecore Developer at Ascension Health and later, Angular Developer at SCA Health.
He eventually moved into management at SCA, where one of his direct reports—Blake Harrison—introduced him to KEYSYS. Soon after, Russell joined our team as a Senior Engineer.
What He Loves About the Work
What Russell enjoys most about development is the variety. “Two days are rarely ever the same,” he shared. He loves tinkering and building—whether it’s cars, home projects, or code. Software development offers the perfect mix of creativity and logic, and as Russell likes to say, it’s a chance to do what he loves in the comfort of air conditioning.
He’s especially proud of his ability to adapt and learn. Throughout his career, no two roles have been the same, and he’s accumulated a wide range of languages and skills along the way. That ongoing learning process is something he truly values.
What coworkers are saying about Russell
Russell is a great leader of people and projects. He is as comfortable helping others learn and grow as he is architecting or debugging a project. Anyone that’s worked with Russell knows that he’s a joy and an asset to their team.
Words of Wisdom for Fellow Developers
Russell is passionate about mentoring others and frequently shares guidance during one-on-one sessions with team members. One piece of advice he often gives is simple but powerful:
Never be scared to ask questions. You don’t know what you don’t know—and questions and exploration are how you find those answers.
He also encourages newer developers to focus on programming fundamentals. “Syntax is just syntax. You can learn that easily. But understanding the concepts of programming is where the real power is.”
Life Outside of Work
When he’s not coding, Russell enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters—often on the go between their many activities. He also serves as a board member for the D1 Life Foundation, a nonprofit created in honor of his late nephew, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 2022. In addition to helping guide the organization’s mission, Russell supports the foundation by managing its website and tech tools.
