Ardys Russakis

Biography

Ardys joined Towson University in 1996. During her 25+ years with the Division of Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research, Ardys has led numerous initiatives to expand its reach throughout the region and has fostered cross-campus collaborations between the Division and other University units.

As director of business engagement and operations, Ardys oversees the StarTUp at the Armory facility and serves as the lead contact for organizations, individuals, and companies engaged in StarTUp events, programs, and initiatives. Ardys is a key leader on the StarTUp team and leads the team’s efforts in promoting and managing the StarTUp. Through relationship building, designing compelling and sought-after events, forging partnerships, and creating value-driven initiatives, Ardys creates excitement and awareness about the StarTUp.

Ardys recently served as senior strategist for BTU and anchor initiatives, and was responsible for managing, formulating, communicating, and executing investment strategies for BTU—Partnerships at Work for Greater Baltimore. Her work focused on scaling, sustaining, aligning, and institutionalizing investment projects. Additionally, Ardys leads Towson University's economic inclusion agenda and broadly facilitates TU's anchor mission strategy, including collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to develop mutually beneficial partnerships that support the anchor mission and BTU engagements. 

 

Ardys has also served in several leadership positions. As executive director of policy and strategic initiatives, se oversaw the implementation, execution, and monitoring of the Division's strategic plans, including short and long-range goals, campus integration, and operational policy initiatives. As executive director for the former Applied Research and Technical Services group, she provided leadership and management of a diverse team of professionals—Center for GIS, Cloud Services & IT Consulting, Regional Economic and Studies Institute—working across a wide range of disciplines. Collectively, these teams provide analytical, technical, and research services to the region's federal and state agencies, county and local governments, non-profit organizations, and private sector companies. As managing director of the Center for GIS, she oversaw project management; maintained the group’s reputation for competence among clients, vendors, partners, and official entities by setting standards for excellence in service and deliverables; and developed and maintained infrastructure to support business processes.

Education

Ardys holds a M.S. in organizational development and strategic human resources from The Johns Hopkins University and a B.S. (magna cum laude) in geography and environmental planning from Towson University. 

Personal

Ardys’ hobbies include cooking, gardening, and travel.

Fun Fact

What are three websites everyone should have bookmarked? www.saveur.com, www.houzz.com, www.nytimes.com

What are two apps you can’t live without? What is life with no apps?!