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Alumnus, Business Leader, Community Volunteer Russ Visner Appointed to The Ferris Foundation Board of Directors

PhotoRuss Visner

A graduate of Ferris State University’s College of Business who honed his leadership skills as a student stands ready to bring those talents to The Ferris Foundation Board of Directors. Russ Visner, of Grand Rapids, was appointed as a director by the Board of Trustees on Friday, Dec. 17.

Visner joins the board with his wife, Christine, who was Student Government President on the Ferris campus.

“Joining The Ferris Foundation Board is a great opportunity. Chris and I are so pleased to serve as directors together,” Visner said. “We thought about our time together at Ferris, which means so much since it allowed us to do as we had hoped, which now includes serving our alma mater together.”

Russ earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, became a CPA and worked for a leading regional firm before assuming a leadership role at Etna Supply Company. In his 36 years there, the plumbing, water system hardware and fire suppression implement distributor grew into a multi-state operation with 450 employees. Russ retired as CEO and owner.

“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to give back to the university in this fashion because Ferris has given so much to us,” Visner said. “I only hope that my contributions to my profession and community are of value in the foundation’s efforts, on behalf of the university’s students, faculty and staff.”

Visner brings an extensive background in community service and professional organization leadership to his role on The Ferris Foundation Board of Directors. He has served as the Mercy Health St. Mary’s Governing Board chair and as lead director of the Affiliated Distributors Board.

Six alumni and Ferris Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion and Strategic Initiatives David Pilgrim are new directors named to The Ferris Foundation Board. They will gather with their established peers and University Advancement leaders on Tuesday, Feb. 22.