Biography...
nathan's official biography
Nathan grew up on his family’s dairy farm in Shullsburg, Wisconsin, which has been in the family for 155 years. The farm has evolved to include cash grain and a soybean condition facility along with the dairy cows. Experiences on the farm instilled in him the values that have shaped who he is today.
In 1997, Nathan graduated from Shullsburg High School where he was very active in the FFA organization and athletics. Following graduating, Nathan was elected to serve as a state FFA officer and the following year was selected as the state FFA president. During the two years of service to the FFA, Nathan deferred college and travel across the state promoting agriculture and agricultural education. He went on to earn a B.S. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as well as a teaching certificate in Agricultural Education. While an undergraduate Nathan, served as the president of the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Student Council and represented the college on the campus-wide student council.
After graduation, Nathan entered Law School at UW-Madison. He quickly discovered that he had missed an opportunity when he found himself spending more time with his wife helping her teach than focusing on law school studies. Following completing his second year of law school, Nathan and his wife, Jennifer, both accepted positions teaching agricultural education to urban students at the Agricultural and Food Science Academy located in the Twin Cities. While at the Academy, Nathan had a successful teaching career, leading numerous students to state and national awards. A major highlight was helping to lead the FFA Chapter to be recognized as the best chapter in the nation in developing community relations. Nathan served two years on the Academy’s School Board working to make sure that the school continued to be fiscally sound. He also served as the varsity girl’s basketball coach while at the Academy.
The Russell’s desired to raise their family in southwestern Wisconsin brought them to Sauk City. Currently, Nathan assists farmers and small businesses succeed as a agriculture/commercial lender with a local credit union. He has also returned to the University of Wisconsin Law School where he has graduated. Jennifer, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – River Falls, is also actively engaged in agriculture as she serves as the communications manager for a agricultural service cooperative. Nathan and Jennifer have three young daughters, Reagan (6 years old), Madison (5 years old), and Taylor (1 months), who love the outdoors and can’t wait to get a dog.
Nathan has been active in the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, and served on the County Board of Directors. Recently, he and his wife were recognized as one of the top young couples in agriculture, as they were named the state winner and the national runner-up in the American Farm Bureau’s Excellence in Agriculture Award. The Russell’s are also very proud of their involvement in the FFA Alumni and local church community.