Russell joins YRC Worldwide from Spirit AeroSystems, where she currently functions as general counsel. She has been with Spirit AeroSystems since January of 2009 and has also held the positions of senior vice president, secretary, and associate general counsel.
Prior to joining Spirit AeroSystems, she spent 12 years with YRC Worldwide, where she worked in a number of positions, culminating with the positions of vice president-legal and assistant general counsel. In her most recent role with YRC Worldwide, her responsibilities included overseeing the legal support for the company’s shared services, operations and finance organization as well as matters concerning US and international acquisitions.
Her areas of specialty include corporate finance, SEC, governance, regulatory, M&A, and strategic customer initiatives. She holds a JD from the University of Kansas School of Law and earned her undergraduate degrees in atmospheric science and anthropology from the University of Kansas.
Russell is associated with the Kansas Bar Association; the Missouri Bar Association; the Association for Transportation Law, Logistics and Policy; the American Corporate Counsel Association, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, and the American Meteorological Society.
"We are very fortunate and extremely pleased to welcome Michelle back to the YRC Worldwide team. Michelle knows our business thoroughly, having risen through the ranks in her earlier career at YRC Worldwide. The combination of her deep legal expertise, knowledge of the company and invaluable insight into the industry will bring immediate and lasting value," said James Welch, chief executive officer of YRC Worldwide.
"I am excited to be a part of James' leadership team and most importantly a member of YRC Worldwide once again. This is a great opportunity to bring a fresh perspective from my outside role as a general counsel. I am honored the board and James have made me part of the team that will bring YRC Worldwide back to an industry leading position," commented Russell on her new appointment.
Russell will replace Jeff Bennett, who served in the interim role as general counsel. He will remain with the company as deputy general counsel.
