About

Dr. Russo learned the importance of service to his community early in life, from his earliest days as a Boy Scout, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. The drive to help others continued through his adolescence and young adulthood. His volunteer work as a PAL football coach, an assistant scoutmaster and work as a high school summer supplemental education instructor has given him a unique perspective on the lives of many families, and a great sense of fulfillment.

Dr. Russo has provided pro bono care for athletes at all levels, including student athletes in their early childhood through high school and college. He has volunteered his services since the beginning of his career to various high schools in New Jersey, but most notably his hometown and alma mater, Hoboken High School’s Football program. He also worked with Olympic athletes treating the national Israeli Ice Dance Team.

His service continues volunteering for multiple non-profit organizations like the Madeline Fiadini LoRe Foundation, where he serves as a member of board of trustees. raising money to provide cancer screenings for those without access to these lifesaving procedures. Through these non-profit organizations, Michael is able to help the many residents of Hudson County and raise money for other local charities.

A natural extension of the yearning need to help others, Michael entered a career in public service as a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment in 2000. In late 2003, Michael was then elected as the Third Ward Councilman in Hoboken, where he still currently serves. As an avid tenant advocate, he was elected to serve as a commissioner of the Hoboken Housing Authority, by his council colleagues, again having the privilege to serve his neighbors. With his unique expertise in health care, Dr. Russo was also asked to serve on the City of Hoboken’s Health Insurance Commission. In 2022 Michael was chosen by his colleagues to lead the Council as President and in 2023 as Vice President. 

In his private life, Michael married Lisa Baptista in 2009. She is a registered dietitian and certified specialist in pediatric nutrition. Although now she has the most important job of all…being a mom. Happily married and living in Hoboken, Michael and Lisa are raising their four (4) beautiful children Lia Grace, Jack Anthony and their twins Michele Stella and Michael Dean.

Dr. Russo’s education and his caring nature have been the driving forces for his need to help others. However, his family has been his primary drive. It has been Dr. Russo’s faith in God and his love for his family that has continued to keep him in service of others.