Russell Benford

Russell Benford is an experienced leader in government relations and public administration, currently serving as the Vice President of Government Relations for the Americas at Royal Caribbean Group since 2017. Benford has successfully directed government relations strategy across North America, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Prior to this role, Benford served as Deputy Mayor of Miami-Dade County from 2011 to 2017, overseeing various critical departments including public safety and human services. Additional leadership experience includes serving as City Manager of North Miami, City Administrator of West Park, and Village Manager of Hawthorn Woods, Illinois. Benford holds a Master of Public Administration from The University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Arts from Oberlin College.