Meet Our Board Members: Russ Brancato
July 2, 2025 – 1 min read
Name and Board Title
Russ Brancato, Board Member
Tell us a little bit about your background – personal and/or professional.
Passionate about serving my community. In addition to the AFSP Central Florida Board of Directors, and Out of the Darkness Walk Volusia County co-chairperson, I'm also on the Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of Daytona Beach, and serve on the Greeting Team at Salty Church New Smyrna Beach campus. I'm happily married, with three adult stepchildren, and two grandchildren. I've also been helping local, regional and national businesses meet/exceed their sales and marketing goals, with a career in advertising sales since 1985.
What city do you call home?
New Smyrna Beach, FL
Where did you grow up?
Wappingers Falls, New York
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
Attending concerts
What might someone be surprised to learn about you?
I grew up learning how to play the drums. I miss it!
Why did you become involved with AFSP-CFL?
My sister died by suicide in 1985. When I discovered AFSP 30+ years later, it changed my life; helping me with the grieving process and being around a community that understands the pain and suffering we share.
What was your first introduction to AFSP?
I was introduced to AFSP via the I'm Listening national broadcasts across local radio stations.
What is one of the most important things you would share with the community about AFSP?
We are part of a nationwide community with ONE common goal … to help fund research and development of suicide prevention programs so that no one else we know should have to go through the pain of losing a loved one, to something that can be prevented. We, as a community, are better together.
Anythying else you'd like to share?
I have been team captain for Michele's Miles, in honor of my sister, Michele, for the OOTD Walks in Volusia County for the past 4 years. Last year, I was the top fundraiser on the top fundraising team