Carol Russell served as the Director of Communications in four major areas of Kentucky state government including the State Auditor's office; Cabinet for Public Protection and Regulation; Economic Development and Justice cabinets. Carol was the president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central and Eastern Kentucky.

Carol is a long-time community and civic leader. Some of her involvment include: current and founding board member of the Lexington Dream Factory; former board member and president of the Child Development Center of the Bluegrass; executive board member of the Wilderness Road Girl Scout Council, past president of the Kentucky Association of Government Communicators; 2010 World Equestrian Games Ambassador Committee; Kentucky Commission on Women board member; chair of the Lexington Habitat for Humanity all-women's build project, advisory board of the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation; co-chair of the Ashland Lawn Party.

Besides having fun training for Dancing with the Lexington Stars event, Carol is an avid runner and a member of the Bluegrass Runner's club. She has run in several marathons, including the Boston, Chicago, and most recently the New York City Marathon. In addition, she runs in the annual Mt. Brilliant 10-mile race, which also benefits Surgery on Sunday. She also enjoyes practicing yoga, indoor spining, gardening and being Nana to her precious grandsons.

A native of Kenton County and one of 12 children, Carol has been a resident of Lexington for the past 42 years. She is married to a life-long Lexington resident Jack Russell, who has a prominent 51-year career in the investment business and president and founder of Russell Capital Management Inc. She has two married sons, Gabriel and Zachary and five grandsons.