Russ Knocke heads the government and public affairs functions at Republic Services, a leader in the U.S. environmental services industry and one of Arizona’s most valuable companies. He is responsible for Republic’s strategy and engagement with political and community leaders nationwide, as well as involvement with key industry associations, NGOs and advocacy organizations. In addition, Russ chairs the Company’s Political Action Committee and manages a team of employees, lobbyists and policy consultants across the country.
Russ joined Republic Services from Arizona State University in 2013, where he served as chief of staff and director of communications for EdPlus. Prior to returning to the Valley, Russ led public affairs and served as press secretary at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during the George W. Bush administration. His tenure included senior public affairs roles at U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement and U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services. Russ is also an alum of Governor Jane Dee Hull’s administration, where he served as executive director of the Arizona-Mexico Commission as well as other policy and communications roles.
Russ is an active member on the board of the Public Affairs Council, and serves on the Arizona Chamber board. He holds a masters of arts from the University of Alabama and a bachelor of arts from Westminster College in Missouri.
Russ and his wife, Julie, reside in Phoenix with their children, Eva and Eastham.