Russell Yost, APR is Associate Vice President for University Marketing and Communications at the University of San Diego (USD). At USD, Russell leads the campus' marketing and communications efforts, is part of the leadership team of USD's integrated advancement operation and serves on the President's cabinet.

Prior to joining USD, Russell served as Senior Director for Marketing and Communications at the University of Washington's College of Arts and Sciences, leading communications efforts for the UW's largest academic unit. Russell brings over 18 years of experience in higher education communications, has worked for PR and marketing agencies in Oregon, and has served as a legislative assistant in the Oregon State House and Senate. During his 14-year tenure at Willamette University, Russell served as a communications director, associate vice president and Chief Communications Officer for the university.

In 2018, Russell's team at Willamette won a prestigious national Silver Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for its solar eclipse event. Russell’s team at the UW won a Bronze Anvil Award for its student recruitment video in 2021. Russell received the Portland Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” award in 2011, the Portland Business Alliance’s “Volunteer Recognition Award” in 2014, and the American Marketing Association Oregon President’s Award in 2011.

Russell chaired the PRSA Counselors to Higher Education Forum in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and Senior Summit in 2020. He has been on the faculty for the CASE Conference on Marketing and Branding since 2021. He holds an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) and has a bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University and master’s degree from Willamette University.