Jaci Russo is a Brand Strategist with more than 25 years of experience on a national level in a cross-section of industries. Her experience has included strategic planning, brand management, national product launches, and media management for local, regional and national clients.

Jaci began her career at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in Los Angeles, California. While there, she worked as a Junior Talent Agent for clients such as Helen Hunt, David Letterman, Blair Underwood, Bonnie Hunt, Janine Turner, Mimi Rogers, Jennifer Grey, and Gwyneth Paltrow – developing projects, negotiating contracts, and creating opportunities. Before returning to her hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana, Jaci took on the role of Executive Assistant to Chairman and CEO, Barry Diller. As Diller’s right-hand, she coordinated the strategic planning, mergers/acquisitions and business development of six different Diller-owned companies including Home Shopping Network, Ticketmaster, USA Network, Lycos, CitySearch, and Savoy Pictures.

Jaci co-founded brandRUSSO in 2001. Only 30 years old at the time, she was an industry professional to watch. As an author, Jaci has published numerous eBooks on branding and is the primary contributor to RUSSO’s Razor Branding Blog. In addition, Jaci is a sought after speaker and has served as a featured writer for Ad Age’s Small Agency Diary and Talent Zoo.

To fulfill RUSSO’s mission in helping businesses build their brand, Jaci hosts Brand Builders Workshops to help various industries distinguish themselves amongst competitors in their field.. She is also recognized as a Professional Certified Marketer by the American Marketing Association.

Jaci has served on the boards of Downtown Lafayette Unlimited, the705, Public Relations Association of Louisiana (Acadiana Chapter), Acadiana Ad Fed, Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, Our Lady of Fatima School and a current member of the CEO Roundtable of Acadiana. Jaci is a 2009 graduate of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Lafayette program as well as Council for a Better Louisiana’s regional program, Leadership Louisiana, and a 2020 graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program.

Jaci and the agency give back to the community through their efforts with local non-profit organizations including Ragin Cajun Athletic Foundation (RCAF), Christian Youth Theater, Lafayette Little League, United Way, Boys & Girls Club, Louisiana HonorAir, Miles Perret Cancer Services, Junior League, Acadiana Symphony and Healing House.

Jaci is an alumna of the University of Louisiana and a Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) through the American Marketing Association.