Joan Russell
Director of Administration and Finance
Joan brings more than 30 years of experience in administration and finance, providing strategic and operational leadership that supports the day-to-day and long-term success of Symmetra Design. Her role includes collaborative strategic planning, business operations management, talent acquisition and hiring, employee training and development, and oversight of professional licenses and certifications. She also provides fiscal oversight, ensuring financial integrity and compliance reporting across the firm.
Joan maintains strong internal controls related to business planning and budgeting. Her additional focus areas include marketing, business development, information technology, and corporate vendor management.
She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Howard University and a Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Human Resources from the University of Maryland.
What do you enjoy about working at Symmetra Design?
I enjoy working for a small company because you can really see the results of your work, and your decisions have a direct impact on operations. Wearing multiple hats keeps the work dynamic—there’s never a dull moment.
What are your interests outside of work?
I enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends. I especially love the islands of the Caribbean, with Jamaica being a favorite, and I’ve also enjoyed traveling to Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. When I’m not working or traveling, I’m usually spending time with loved ones. On the rare occasion I get time to myself, you’ll find me curled up with a cup of hot tea and a good book.
What excites you about the future of transportation?
Having elderly parents—one of whom has mobility challenges—has given me a deeper appreciation for ADA compliance and accessible design, and has changed the way I think about access and mobility in transportation systems.