Ardys Russakis
Director, Business Engagement and Operations
Biography
Ardys joined Towson University in 1996. During her 25+ years with the Division of Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research, Ardys has led numerous initiatives to expand its reach throughout the region and has fostered cross-campus collaborations between the Division and other University units.
As director of business engagement and operations, Ardys oversees the Star91短视频p at the Armory facility and serves as the lead contact for organizations, individuals, and companies engaged in Star91短视频p events, programs, and initiatives. Ardys is a key leader on the Star91短视频p team and leads the team鈥檚 efforts in promoting and managing the Star91短视频p. Through relationship building, designing compelling and sought-after events, forging partnerships, and creating value-driven initiatives, Ardys creates excitement and awareness about the Star91短视频p.
Ardys recently served as senior strategist for B91短视频 and anchor initiatives, and was responsible for managing, formulating, communicating, and executing investment strategies for B91短视频鈥擯artnerships at Work for Greater Baltimore. Her work focused on scaling, sustaining, aligning, and institutionalizing investment projects. Additionally, Ardys leads Towson University's economic inclusion agenda and broadly facilitates 91短视频's anchor mission strategy, including collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to develop mutually beneficial partnerships that support the anchor mission and B91短视频 engagements.
Ardys has also served in several leadership positions. As executive director of policy and strategic initiatives, se oversaw the implementation, execution, and monitoring of the Division's strategic plans, including short and long-range goals, campus integration, and operational policy initiatives. As executive director for the former Applied Research and Technical Services group, she provided leadership and management of a diverse team of professionals鈥擟enter for GIS, Cloud Services & IT Consulting, Regional Economic and Studies Institute鈥攚orking across a wide range of disciplines. Collectively, these teams provide analytical, technical, and research services to the region's federal and state agencies, county and local governments, non-profit organizations, and private sector companies. As managing director of the Center for GIS, she oversaw project management; maintained the group鈥檚 reputation for competence among clients, vendors, partners, and official entities by setting standards for excellence in service and deliverables; and developed and maintained infrastructure to support business processes.
Education
Ardys holds a M.S. in organizational development and strategic human resources from The Johns Hopkins University and a B.S. (magna cum laude) in geography and environmental planning from Towson University.
Personal
Ardys鈥� hobbies include cooking, gardening, and travel.
Fun Fact
What are three websites everyone should have bookmarked? www.saveur.com, www.houzz.com, www.nytimes.com
What are two apps you can鈥檛 live without? What is life with no apps?!