Time out with T.O. – A farewell to HR’s John Russell

For more than 40 years, John Russell has based his human resources career on six key words: “Know the facts, tell the truth.”

One can only imagine the daily challenges faced by a human resources director of an organization of nearly 5,000 employees.

“It’s a tough job,” said Rick Spellman, associate general counsel health sciences. “People do the darnedest things.”

Spellman knows Russell well. Frequently, they work together on sticky personnel issues.

Retirement tea set for Monday The UNMC campus is invited to attend a retirement tea for John Russell. When: 3 to 5 p.m., Monday, Dec. 9. Where: Room 1004 of the Truhlsen Events Center in the Sorrell Center.

“The thing that distinguishes John is his understanding and tolerance of human nature,” Spellman said. “When possible, he’s inclined to give leeway to the variances of human nature and encourage people to address their problem, improve and move on.”

But, he adds, one thing never waivers for Russell — “He always does what’s best for UNMC.”

To be successful in HR work, Russell said it’s important to:

• “Separate yourself from the problem.”
• “Not become part of the problem – you want to stay a half-step removed from the problem.”

Many people know Russell as the emcee for the annual service recognition dinner for employees or as the HR expert presenting at employee forums.

With his syrupy smooth voice and friendly delivery, he’s one of those people with instant likeability. Invariably, if there’s a microphone in front of John, he’ll find a way to interject a little humor.

His 14 years directing HR at UNMC paralleled almost exactly the 15-year run of UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D.

“When I was interviewing for the job,” Russell said, “I had about a 90-minute meeting with Dr. Maurer. He blew me away. It was obvious he was going to transform this place. I was delighted to be along for the ride.”

He also is grateful for Don Leuenberger, vice chancellor for business and finance. “Don and I go back more than 40 years,” Russell said. “I appreciate his vote of confidence when he brought me to UNMC in 1999.”

Russell and his wife, Sue, look forward to a retirement filled with family (four children and six grandchildren), travel and John’s favorite pastime – hunting pheasant and waterfowl.

As he winds down his last month as assistant vice chancellor and executive director of HR, Russell has come up with a new slogan to pattern his life after – “You’re only young once, but you can be immature forever.”

Enjoy the retirement, John. I think you have it figured out.