Living the Dream

September 2024

I’m Russell Senger, Vice President of Community Development, and I’m responsible for building partnerships that support The Beryl Institute community in meaningful ways. My journey in this role has been shaped by personal experiences that have deeply connected me to the importance of patient experience work.

 

 

Over the past two years, my perspective on healthcare has shifted significantly, as I’ve seen firsthand the impact that thoughtful patient feedback can have on improving care. Having family members navigate the health system has opened my eyes to the challenges and triumphs within healthcare, and it’s made me realize just how crucial this work is now more than ever.

Outside of my professional life, I share a love of tennis with my wife, Jessica. We’re both avid players and find time to hit the courts several times a week. Our story began on the tennis courts of Figure 8 Island—the very same island that’s been featured on the Netflix show "Outer Banks." One summer, while teaching clinics there, we got to know each other, and the rest is history. These days, some of our favorite activities include playing tennis together, cooking delicious meals for our family, and taking peaceful walks with our two-year-old black Labrador, Rosie. Wilmington, NC, has been a wonderful place for us to call home.

On the weekends during football season, you’ll find me cheering for the Miami Hurricanes. I’ve been a die-hard fan since I was six years old, and I make it a point to attend at least one game in person each year. I love the thrill of road games and have followed the Hurricanes to various stadiums, including UVA, UNC, Duke, Georgia Tech, Ohio State, and NC State.

For me, the blend of work and personal life is all about connection—whether it’s connecting with the community, my family, or my favorite sports team. Each aspect is important and makes me who I am.