Contact: Joshua Russell
Director of Communications & Emerging Initiatives
jrussell@1stact.org
408-200-2020 ext. 104

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Director of Communications Joins 1stACT Silicon Valley Staff

San Jose, CA, October 22, 2008 – 1stACT Silicon Valley, a network of business, civic and arts leaders working to improve the cultural vibrancy and aesthetic quality of life of Silicon Valley, has named Joshua Russell as the organization’s Director of Communications and Emerging Initiatives.

Mr. Russell joins 1stACT having previously worked as Communications Manager for Arts Council Silicon Valley, where he helped the organization increase its visibility by over 600% through the media and was responsible for all internal and external communications. A new position at 1stACT, Mr. Russell’s responsibilities include managing all aspects of the organization’s messaging, materials, media, community relations, as well as spearheading new, catalytic initiatives.
“Since our doors officially opened in January, there has been a growing demand for communications,” said Connie Martinez, 1stACT’s Managing Director & CEO. “Now with Josh on board we can begin to tell the full story of who we are and, more importantly, build upon the momentum we have accumulated to date.”
A Past President of the Ad Club of Silicon Valley and a graduate of the 2008 Community Leadership San Jose class, Mr. Russell currently serves on the Marketing Committee for Via Services and is a founding member of both genARTS, a local emerging arts leader network, and Today’s Young Professionals, a program of the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce.

ABOUT 1stACT SILICON VALLEY
1stACT Silicon Valley is a network of cross-sector leaders who care about the cultural and aesthetic quality of life in Silicon Valley. We are working collectively to build: 1) and authentic sense of place that fuels community pride and investment; 2) a quality of mix of creative experiences that foster community, cross-cultural understanding and innovation; and 3) a cultural and aesthetic quality of life that attracts and inspires a creative workforce. For more information, visit www.1stact.org.