BROOKLYN, NY, August 27, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Francis J. Russo has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Russo has dedicated three decades to public service, establishing a distinguished career in national security and law enforcement. As the director at U.S. Customs and Border Protection since 1995, he has overseen the work of 2,900 employees charged with safeguarding the nation's borders. Under his leadership, the agency has managed an annual operating budget of over $35 million, efficiently processed over 20 million travelers and facilitated the entry of more than $360 billion worth of goods into the U.S. Mr. Russo has been instrumental in building coalitions with federal, state and local partners, strengthening interagency collaboration and enhancing border security operations.

In addition to his longstanding role at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Mr. Russo has served as the director of operations for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In this capacity, he has successfully coordinated emergency management initiatives and ensured compliance with international regulations. Mr. Russo's expertise in these areas has been widely recognized, contributing to significant advancements in operational efficiency and crisis response.

Mr. Russo's academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and corrections from Saint John's University in New York City, earned in 1995. He further developed his leadership skills by attending the Senior Managers in Government Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in Cambridge in 2017.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Mr. Russo has demonstrated a strong commitment to civic engagement through volunteer work with local community organizations and foundations. He has also been affiliated with the Global Medical Relief Fund.

Among his most notable achievements, Mr. Russo led efforts to combat the fentanyl epidemic during his tenure as the port director at John F. Kennedy International Airport in 2020. Confronted with a surge in fentanyl-laced packages arriving from China, he spearheaded a comprehensive strategy that involved collaboration with law enforcement agencies, congressional partners and the implementation of advanced technological solutions. These efforts resulted in the seizure of more than 85 fentanyl shipments that year, influenced legislative changes in China and significantly altered the threat landscape. Mr. Russo also served as a public spokesperson during this period, advocating for increased resources and raising public awareness through major media outlets.

Throughout his career, Mr. Russo has received numerous recognitions and accolades for his contributions to national security and public safety. He earned multiple unit Citation Awards, acknowledging exemplary team performance under his leadership, and was a 2025 recipient of a Humanitarian Award. Mr. Russo attributes much of his success to surrounding himself with intelligent and insightful colleagues and continuously learning from others. He draws inspiration from studying great leaders to solve complex problems and strive for excellence.

Mr. Russo's professional journey has been shaped by a strong family legacy in law enforcement. Inspired by his father's distinguished service as an FBI agent combating organized crime and his brother's path within the FBI, he developed a deep commitment to justice from an early age. The events of September 11th further served as a profound motivator throughout his career, fueling his dedication to preventing future attacks and strengthening national security measures.

Looking ahead, Mr. Russo is committed to elevating U.S. Customs and Border Protection into the nation's leading law enforcement organization. He hopes that his legacy will be defined by advancing public safety and ensuring recognition for the agency's impactful work.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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