Maria Russ

Maria Russ serves as the Supervisor of School Health Services for Hillsborough County Public Schools in Tampa, Florida, where she oversees district-wide school health programs and works to ensure students have access to preventive care and coordinated health services. With more than three decades of experience in education-based health systems, she has advanced through roles as a school nurse, coordinator, and supervisor, while also practicing as a pediatric nurse practitioner and helping expand school-based clinical services. Her leadership centers on strengthening the connection between healthcare and education so students can remain healthy, present, and ready to learn.

Russ began her nursing career after earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Florida in 1991 and starting clinical work at All Children’s Hospital. Over time, she built a diverse clinical background spanning pediatrics, intensive care, emergency medicine, and mother–baby care before transitioning into school health and academic medicine. She later earned both a master’s degree in Community Public Health Nursing and Nurse Practitioner studies, as well as a PhD in Nursing from the University of South Florida. Alongside her district leadership, she has served as an assistant professor across multiple universities, including USF, University of Phoenix, South University, Florida Southern College, NOVA, and Chamberlain, teaching nursing at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Throughout her career, Russ has been deeply involved in professional organizations and community service. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Sigma Theta Tau, and The Links, Incorporated, and has served as Florida State President of the National Association of School Nurses. She has also led initiatives such as back-to-school health fairs and community outreach events including Missions of Mercy. Her work has earned numerous honors, including Outstanding Young Alumni recognition from the USF College of Nursing, induction into a Wall of Fame, and Florida School Health Association Nursing Supervisor of the Year. Known for her commitment to mentorship and service, she emphasizes resilience, education, and “reaching back” to support the next generation of nurses and healthcare leaders.