Jonathan Russell joined Freedom School Partners as the Director of Development in December 2020.
Jonathan was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. He graduated from Harding University High School and participated in the International Baccalaureate program. Jonathan received the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Scholarship, attended Appalachian State University and received a B.S. in History Secondary Education with a minor in Economics.
Prior to joining Freedom School Partners, Jonathan worked for various organizations in Charlotte. After college, he taught 10th grade Civics and Economics for one year at Bartlett-Yancey High School in Caswell County, and one year at West Mecklenburg High School in CMS.
Following teaching, Jonathan transitioned into development and worked for Mecklenburg County Council, Boy Scouts of America. During this time, he served as their Exploring Executive, facilitating their career education program, significantly growing their corporate partnerships, and making the Mecklenburg program the fastest growing program in the United States in 2012. Jonathan also served traditional Scouting programs, with responsibilities in volunteer management, fundraising, recruitment, and program. He also served as the Camp Director for the Boy Scouts, serving 1,600 youth and 400 adult volunteers, while managing a diverse staff of 60 seasonal employees.
Jonathan also served as the Relationship Manager for United Way of the Central Carolinas, managing the industry sectors of Accounting and Consulting, Manufacturing, and Utilities, where he served as the account manager for Duke Energy.
Jonathan and his wife Caitlin met in high school and have been married for eight years. His wife is an Academic Facilitator at Collinswood Language Academy and holds a master’s degree in Literacy Education from Queens University. They have twin five-year-old boys, Dylan and Parker, who are Kindergartners at Collinswood. In his free time, Jonathan enjoys spending time with his kids, reading history, and bowling.
Jonathan’s favorite childhood book is The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling.
Email: [email protected]
