Title: Director
Company: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Location: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Francis J. Russo, Director at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements and leadership in Public Service.
Mr. Russo has built a distinguished career spanning three decades in national security and law enforcement, marked by a steadfast commitment to public safety and operational excellence. As the director of operations at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the largest federal law enforcement agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, since 1995, he has overseen the work of 2,900 employees dedicated to securing the nation’s borders. In this capacity, Mr. Russo manages an annual operating budget of over $35 million, ensuring the efficient processing of 24 million travelers and over $360 billion worth of goods entering the U.S. each year. His leadership is characterized by coalition-building with federal, state and local partners, as well as a focus on strengthening national security and improving information sharing.
A defining moment in Mr. Russo’s career occurred in 2020 during his tenure as the port director at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Confronted with a surge in fentanyl-laced packages arriving from China, he spearheaded a comprehensive strategy that united law enforcement agencies, congressional representatives and advanced technology to intercept illicit shipments. Mr. Russo’s efforts resulted in the seizure of more than 85 fentanyl shipments that year, influenced legislative changes in China and significantly altered the threat landscape. He also served as a public spokesperson, advocating for increased resources and raising awareness through prominent media outlets.
Mr. Russo’s educational background laid a strong foundation for his achievements. He began by earning a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and corrections from St. John’s University in New York City in 1995, equipping him with essential knowledge for his early career in law enforcement. He later attended the Senior Managers in Government Program at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in Cambridge in 2017, further refining his leadership skills and strategic perspective.
The inspiration for Mr. Russo’s career stems from a profound family legacy in law enforcement. His father, an Italian immigrant who learned English through comic books before serving in the U.S. Navy, went on to become a distinguished FBI agent combating organized crime, a path also followed by Mr. Russo’s brother. Witnessing their dedication instilled in him a profound sense of duty and commitment to justice.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Mr. Russo is actively involved in civic initiatives as a volunteer with local community foundations and the Global Medical Relief Fund, demonstrating his dedication to humanitarian causes. He is also an active member of the Columbia Association, a nonprofit community services corporation.
Throughout his career, Mr. Russo has been recognized for his expertise in emergency management and international regulations, fields in which he has achieved notable distinction. His professional journey is further highlighted by numerous recognitions and awards, including the prestigious Humanitarian Award in 2025 and multiple Unit Citation Awards for exemplary service.
Mr. Russo attributes his success to humility, consistently striving to be the least important person in the room, and to surrounding himself with intelligent, insightful colleagues from whom he continuously learns. He values studying great leaders and believes that drawing lessons from their experiences is essential for problem-solving and achieving excellence.
Deeply motivated by the memory of September 11th, Mr. Russo remains dedicated to ensuring that such devastation never occurs again. This ambition serves as an inspiration that continues to drive his efforts to strengthen national security. Looking ahead, Mr. Russo aspires to help elevate his agency into the nation’s leading law enforcement organization. Throughout his career, Mr. Russo has focused on doing his job with integrity rather than seeking advancement for its own sake. This philosophy has guided every step of his professional journey and continues to shape his approach today.
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