Brent Russell

Brent joined the Evaluation Associates | Te Huinga Kākākura Mātauranga team as a principal advisor in 2021. He works with beginning and established principals to support them to thrive as educational leaders.

His career has included 26 years as a principal in four different South Island schools, an Education Advisor with the Ministry of Education, and most recently as a private Education Consultant.

Brent brings an extensive background to the role, which includes:

• Being an Education Advisor with the MOE. He managed a portfolio of 47 primary, secondary, and area schools across Otago and Southland providing targeted support for principals as required.

• Continuous involvement with boards of trustees since 1989, commencing with election as a parent representative, and continuing uninterrupted to the present day in senior management and/or advisory roles.

• Contracts to advise various boards of trustees in Southland, Otago and South Canterbury to assist with the appointment process of their new principals.

• Current detailed knowledge and first-hand experience of the principal appraisal process.

Leading and managing four different types of schools has provided Brent with the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and extensive knowledge base, including strategic planning, change management, relationship management, personnel management and asset management. In addition, Brent also has a well-developed appreciation and understanding of special character schools.

Brent lives in the heart of Central Otago in the idyllic town of Clyde with his wife Suzanne who is a registered nurse. They have four married children and 10 grandchildren. His main interests include exploring many of the local bike trails in the area as well as being an avid golfer.