You don’t have to be an expert to work effectively on matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). At its core, proficiency in DEI is a matter of building your own capacity for understanding others, and developing your Cultural Intelligence. During this session, participants will learn the basics of DEI – why it matters, what it means – and how this affects their role as a leader.

Russ Florence is partner, president, and chief executive officer at Schnake Turnbo Frank, based in the firm’s Oklahoma City office.

Russ brings a broad range of communication and management experience to the firm. With experience in journalism, corporate leadership and consulting, he brings a multi-faceted, balanced perspective to his clients. His expertise includes strategic planning, executive coaching, reputation management, crisis communications, media relations and integrated communications.

Russ joined Schnake Turnbo Frank in 2001, and became a partner in 2007. He maintains a key role in leading the company’s strategic growth and external affairs.

Before joining the firm, Russ managed corporate communications for the BOK Financial Corporation. He relies on every facet of his experience – journalism, nonprofit, corporate and entrepreneurism – in his work today. Russ is a frequent speaker to universities, professional associations and business groups.

Education: bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications from Oklahoma State University; Duke Executive Leadership Program, Fuqua School of Business, Duke University

Community Involvement: Woody Guthrie Center, board chairman; Oklahoma City National Memorial, board of trustees; Oklahoma Caring Foundation, board member; Oklahoma City Dodgers Foundation, board member; Oklahomans for the Arts, board member; Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, board of advisors; Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice, past chairman

Accolades: Downtown OKC Rotary Club, Rotarian of the Year, 2015-2016; Oklahoma State University School of Agricultural Communications, Graduate of Distinction, 2007; International Association of Business Communicators, Tulsa chapter, John Hartman Communicator of the Year, 2001

Passions: music, baseball, reading, running and Mexican food