Tonja Russo
Director of Strategic Relationships, Executive Education
Biography
Biography
Tonja joined the Vanderbilt-Owen Executive Education team as the Director of Strategic Relationships in March of 2024. Before that, she served as Owen's Associate Director of Alumni Engagement.Before her roles at Owen, Tonja worked at The Harpeth Hall School in Nashville, most recently contributing to the institution’s alumni engagement efforts. She has also held positions at Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, CT, and the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT.
Before transitioning to higher education, Tonja gained valuable experience in the healthcare industry, specializing in provider relations and physician and hospital network development. She attended Ithaca College.
In addition to her professional career, Tonja is an active community member. She serves as a volunteer for various organizations focused on education, youth services, and food security.
Tonja relocated to Nashville in 2021 and enjoys discovering her new city with her husband, John. Outside work, she is passionate about gardening, cooking, and becoming more involved in the vibrant Nashville community.