Jaci Russo is a Brand Strategist with more than 25 years of experience on a national level in a cross-section of industries. Her experience has included strategic planning, brand management, national product launches, and media management for local, regional and national clients.
Jaci began her career at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in Los Angeles, California. While there, she worked as a Junior Talent Agent for clients such as Helen Hunt, David Letterman, Blair Underwood, Bonnie Hunt, Janine Turner, Mimi Rogers, Jennifer Grey, and Gwyneth Paltrow – developing projects, negotiating contracts, and creating opportunities. Before returning to her hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana, Jaci took on the role of Executive Assistant to Chairman and CEO, Barry Diller. As Diller’s right-hand, she coordinated the strategic planning, mergers/acquisitions and business development of six different Diller-owned companies including Home Shopping Network, Ticketmaster, USA Network, Lycos, CitySearch, and Savoy Pictures.
After serving as Marketing Director for AKA Advertising and the Giles Automotive Group, Jaci co-founded RUSSO. Only 30 years old at the time, she was an industry professional to watch. As an author, Jaci has published numerous eBooks on branding and is the primary contributor to RUSSO’s Razor Branding Blog. In addition, Jaci is a sought after speaker and has served as a featured writer for Ad Age’s Small Agency Diary and Talent Zoo.
Jaci has served on the boards of Downtown Lafayette Unlimited, the705, Public Relations Association of Louisiana (Acadiana Chapter), Acadiana Ad Fed, Acadiana Symphony Orchestra and Our Lady of Fatima School. Jaci is a 2009 graduate of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Lafayette program as well as Council for a Better Louisiana’s regional program, Leadership Louisiana.
Jaci and the agency give back to the community through their efforts with local non-profit organizations including Ragin Cajun Athletic Foundation (RCAF), Christian Youth Theater, Lafayette Little League, United Way, Boys & Girls Club, Louisiana HonorAir, Miles Perret Cancer Services, Junior League, Acadiana Symphony and Healing House.