2023 Men of the Year: Matthew Russell

With 20 years of experience as an attorney, Matthew Russell says he has learned a lot about what it takes to be an effective leader.

“Launching a small business is a masterclass in leadership, both for others and, ultimately, yourself,” he says about leaving the Greene County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in 2012 to start his law firm, MRD Lawyers.

Russell has since been able to bring on a partner and associate attorney, plus maintain a staff of three.

“It is my duty to continue to develop the skills of those in my employ, not only to better serve our clients but also to help them along their professional journey,” he says.

But his leadership experience doesn’t stop there. In 2020, after serving on Republic’s City Council, Russell was elected as mayor.

“I have been honored to lead this fast-growing community in a way that benefits our citizens and our region and state. Being able to guide the city in such a way that provides employment, education and personal opportunities previously unavailable to the folks in our town has been incredibly rewarding,” he says.

As mayor, Russell serves as the head of the Republic City Council and supervises the city administrator.

“This role allows me to lead Republic, overseeing and approving major projects, hearing citizens’ concerns and serving as a sounding board for employees,” he says, adding that he feels there is not a lot of conflict within the city meetings. “I pride myself in using my communication and compromise skills for my legal career to successfully address matters of contention and find a resolution for those involved.”

His professional experiences have led Russell to go deep in volunteerism. He is an active member of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, serving on the Criminal Law Committee and the Bench and Bar Committee, which he says keeps the judges and bar members connected, and helps address mental health concerns of individual lawyers before it arises to a crisis level. At the state level, Russell is the treasurer-elect of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, where he is also on track to become president.

In addition, Russell finds deep fulfillment volunteering at Harmony House, where he serves on the board of directors.

“In my work as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, I’ve seen the lasting impact domestic violence can have,” he says. “My role with Harmony House allows me to use my expertise as a lawyer, leader and communicator to better serve those victims.”

The variety of work has him toggling between many roles and wearing multiple hats.

“Before lunch, I am due in three different courts,” he says. “One may be in Stone County, one in Christian, another in Greene.”

After a busy day in his law office or volunteering in the community, Russell says he then puts on his “mayor hat,” weighing the wants and needs of his constituents and working to find balance for the city. At the end of a long day, he says he gets to put on his favorite hat.

“I get to go home and be a dad and a husband, which is my favorite job.”