Charla Russell is Director of Community Relations for Hinsdale High School District 86 in Hinsdale, Illinois. Charla studied Journalism/Public Relations at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and earned her Bachelor’s degree in 1979. She has spent the past 25 years of her career in public relations for non-profit organizations. Charla is blessed to be married to David Russell. They live in Clarendon Hills, Illinois and have two sons, David and Jonathan. All are members of Christ Church of Oak Brook.

Charla met Dr. Benyamen Yusuf while serving on the Mission Leadership Team of Christ Church of Oak Brook. After hearing of his work in Ethiopia, she felt a strong desire to travel to Ethiopia to help serve in Benyamen’s ministry. In 2004, Charla was privileged to participate with five other women in a short term mission trip to work with Benyamen in Ethiopia. The experience made a profound impact on her, and she is honored to serve on the Board of Directors for Ethiopia Christian Ministries.