
ABOUT

Deb Russell helps operations and HR leaders reduce turnover, raise engagement, and increase throughput. A former Fortune 50 leader turned consultant, she co-built the company’s first enterprise-wide hiring model that cut turnover by nearly 50%, improved safety, and scaled across thousands of employees. Her proven APPEARS Method—Assess, Plan, Prepare, Execute, Adjust, Replicate, Sustain—drives results both on the floor and at the corporate level, aligning workforce strategies directly to KPIs in distribution, manufacturing, and supply-chain-heavy retail.
Over the course of her career, Deb has partnered with more than 100 clients, spoken internationally, and testified before the U.S. Congress. She brings both executive insight and hands-on experience to help organizations design recruiting and workforce systems that deliver measurable business impact. Deb holds a B.S. and M.S. from the University of Illinois.
Our Mission
To empower organizations to build stronger, more engaged, and more inclusive workforces by improving hiring practices, enhancing employee experiences, and fostering cultures where both people and businesses thrive.
Who We Are
At Deb Russell Inc., we believe a company’s greatest asset is its people—and that building a thriving workforce starts long before the first day on the job. We work alongside organizations to uncover hidden gaps, strengthen leadership, and create hiring systems that attract and keep the right talent. With over 15 years of experience across industries from healthcare to manufacturing, our woman-owned consultancy blends practical expertise with a commitment to lasting cultural change. The result? Teams that are not only more productive, but more engaged, aligned, and ready to grow with your business.

