Ms. Bates Russell is a lifelong camper and camp staff member. She has earned a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Michigan, and a B.A. in Art History from The College of Wooster in Ohio.
Currently, Elise is the Executive Director of Johnsonburg Presbyterian Camp and Retreat Center in northwestern New Jersey. She is active in the American Camp Association, and has served as President of the Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association. She is passionate about creating sustainable designs for camp and retreat center structures, and developing spiritual leadership through camp.