Ben Russak

Ben Russak has a diverse work experience spanning various organizations and industries. Ben started their career as a Designer, working as a self-employed individual from 1998 to 2003. Ben then transitioned to the insurance and financial services sector, becoming the Owner of Russak Insurance Services from 2003 to 2012. During this time, they managed employees, conducted field inspections, and implemented marketing campaigns.

In 2012, Russak pursued higher education and became an Urban Planning Masters Student at UCLA until 2014. Ben also worked as a Graduate Student Researcher at UCLA Asian American Studies Center from 2013 to 2014, assisting with research and presenting findings on a Ford Foundation study related to economic security and foreclosure.

Following their graduate studies, Russak joined T.R.U.S.T South LA as a Policy Intern in 2013, where they researched policy issues and supported projects aimed at advancing affordable housing and community-owned real estate.

In 2014, Russak worked as a Project Coordinator at the UCLA Labor Center, collaborating with the Liberty Hill Foundation to promote environmental and economic sustainability in disadvantaged communities.

Russak then moved on to the Liberty Hill Foundation, where they held multiple roles. Ben served as a Policy Analyst from 2015 to 2017, conducting research on investment opportunities and raising awareness of funds available for development in disadvantaged communities. Ben later became a Senior Policy Analyst and Program Manager from 2017 to 2018, responsible for coordinating activities for equitable development in environmental justice communities and managing staff and interns. Russak then assumed the role of Deputy Director of Environmental Health and Justice from 2018 to 2019, developing programs and facilitating participatory activities for social justice organizations. Ben subsequently became the Acting Director and later the Director of Public Partnerships, beginning in 2019 and continuing to the present.

Ben Russak obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Urban Socio-economic Planning and Development from California State University, Los Angeles, from 2010 to 2012. Ben then pursued a Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs from 2012 to 2014. Prior to their undergraduate studies, Ben completed a CSU Transfer program at East Los Angeles College in 2009-2010. Ben also holds a Master's degree in City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. In addition to their academic qualifications, they obtained a certification as a Resident Insurance Producer from the California Department of Insurance in April 2003.