About

Carol Russell

Chief Executive Officer

Carol Russell, CEO and Brian Herder, Chief Creative Officer, are founding partners of Russell Herder, leading a firm that continues to innovate, developing new ways to partner and collaborate with key audiences and communities. For 40 years, their bold approach has positioned RH as the national go-to partner for creativity, social engagement, and work that matters.

Named a Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s Top Women in Business, Carol is a visionary leader who guides the firm’s strategic practice and has dedicated her career to developing strategic initiatives for NGO, government, and corporate entities across the United States. Highly inquisitive and intensely productive, Carol sets the pace for our firm, conducting vital market research to reveal new opportunities, expand reach, and generate lasting impact. These insights deliver significant value to her clients, cementing long-lasting relationships. She holds a master’s in communications management, a journalism degree, and is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Executive Program, Carlson School of Management.

Brian Herder

Chief Creative Officer

Carol Russell, CEO and Brian Herder, Chief Creative Officer, are founding partners of Russell Herder, leading a firm that continues to innovate, developing new ways to partner and collaborate with key audiences and communities. For 40 years, their bold approach has positioned RH as the national go-to partner for creativity, social engagement, and work that matters.

Brian oversees Russell Herder’s creative product, drawing upon a deep understanding of emotional drivers and decision-making. Working in fields as diverse as healthcare, destinations, manufacturing, and professional services, he’s helped major brands and local entities alike leverage savvy strategic positioning and authentic emotional impact. Brian leads the firm’s cocreation practice using skills honed by his years as an adjunct college instructor, partnering within numerous cultural communities to help them produce ideas that engage and endure. He collaborates with local artists and influencers because the best work is grounded in authenticity and personal truths. It’s a high standard, resulting in creative messaging is that is honest, impactful, and uniquely relevant to individuals, families, friends and neighbors.

Reggie Turner

Chief Financial Officer

A master's educated executive-level finance management professional skilled at providing the leadership and direction needed to drive the achievement of key organizational finance-related goals and objectives. Reggie is a proven relationship builder with a track record of designing and implementing custom finance initiatives that positively impact an organization’s bottom line. His previous experience includes US Bank, Hennepin County and the Alzheimer’s Association of Minnesota and North Dakota. He is the past Vice President of Finance for the Twin Cities Chapter of the National Black MBA Association and a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

Patrick Thornton

Director of Public Relations

An experienced interviewer with background in healthcare, law, real estate and education, Patrick develops powerful story ideas that raise brand awareness and build strong reputations. With a deep commitment to representing clients in the most authentic and positive light, Patrick skillfully uses a full suite of communication tools on deadline and within budget to maximize audience reach. He previously worked as a communications specialist for the Minnesota House of Representatives and for one of the 500 largest law firms in the U.S. He is a former reporter and editor at a variety of publications and holds a bachelor’s degree from Drake University.

Daniel Joyce

Creative Director

As a creative department lead with degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Miami Ad School, Daniel’s keen eye for opportunities and ability to capture the big picture consistently bring client visions to life. Whether developing creative messaging, running a video production, or orchestrating a strategic rebranding, Daniel fixes upon the final objective and how best to achieve it. His demonstrated expertise in taking venerable brands to the next level means recognizing what’s most valuable, and skillfully incorporating that understanding into his work.

Erin Vasseur

Director of Client Services

A consummate storyteller and relationship builder, with the innate ability to translate complex ideas into comprehensive stories and communications, she aligns and connects people, projects, and processes to inspire and produce actionable results. Erin has worked for a wide range of industries from Fortune 5 companies, not-for-profit and government organizations including Google, UnitedHealth Group, Target, the National Park Foundation, and the State of Minnesota. Conversant across all communication channels from print, digital, video, and in-person events, she understands the importance of a cohesive campaign, connecting with the target audience, and accomplishing client objectives and goals.

Packy Savvenas

Director of User Experience and Web Design

A veteran web designer with a track record of creating digital experiences that resonate with audiences, optimize performance and help organizations meet their goals. He studies the user’s journey and creates dynamic, innovative online experiences catered specifically to each organization's unique requirements. By delving into behavior patterns and unique preferences, Packy uncovers valuable data that informs strategic decisions for enhancing visitor experience and maximizing engagement. He has partnered with brands like Procter & Gamble and Simon & Schuster on complex UX challenges and now leads our web design team delivering impactful, data-driven digital solutions.

Danielle Smith

Digital Director

A Google-certified marketing and business development professional who excels at driving growth through strategic initiatives. Danielle assists organizations with digital marketing, brand development, and business expansion, through her expertise in SEO/SEM optimization, client engagement and managing high-impact partnerships. She designs and implements tailored, data-driven strategies that drive revenue growth and long-term success.