Carol Russo

Carol Russo served for 20 years as a Conciliator and Regional Director with the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service (CRS). Traveling throughout the country and with direct responsibility for serval large geographic regions, she worked with many diverse communities experiencing conflict-triggered violence, potential violence or actions disrupting community engagement. Her duties included mediation, conflict-resolution training and consultation services for residents, law enforcement, public officials and community organizations. Prior to this work, Carol served in various positions—including as public-school teacher and counselor, tutoring coordinator, paralegal and mediator.  These roles involved directing, training, coordinating and volunteering for both youth and adult community groups and programs—duties that included leadership development and strategic planning.  Her volunteer work has also encompassed serving as a board member for the Bay Area Hispano Institute for Advancement (BAHIA); as well as currently serving as a reading tutor with the San Francisco Library FOG (Free Orton-Gillingham) program and serving at the San Francisco Food Bank through The Father’s House church.

Since retiring from CRS, where her work involved discord and strife on a daily basis, Carol has found that the beautiful Gardens of Golden Gate Park provide her with a place of serenity, respite, inspiration, knowledge and entertainment. She is committed to protecting and sharing these special places of nature with all of our communities in the Bay Area and beyond.