Andrew was raised in Roseburg, Oregon, he grew up fishing, swimming, and running around the mountains of Oregon. He joined the Navy and later was selected to become a Naval Officer. He completed a Psychology degree from Old Dominion University and continued his Naval service in Virginia, Iraq, Illinois, Rhode Island, California, and Japan.

His first teaching experience came teaching Aviation Electronics for three years at NAS Oceana and then three years teaching at the University of Illinois Navy ROTC. During this time, he also completed a Master’s Degree in U.S. History. For the last two years there, Andrew also served as the Assistant Department Chair for the Universities Naval Science Department.

Mr. Russell served as an Engineering Officer and then Executive Officer on ships in San Diego and Japan before assuming command of USS CHIEF (MCM 14) as his final tour in the Navy finishing nearly 25 years of Navy service. Having moved to Polson in August of 2018 to join the Mission Valley Christian Academy team with his wife Marsha and four children, he feels extremely blessed.

The Russell family has traveled all across the United States and Japan residing in many places, but they are very happy to call Polson home. He is always full of joy and treasures the opportunity to be a part of the MVCA family with his four children every day. Mr. Russell is currently the Head of School at Mission Valley Christian Academy in Polson concentrating on community outreach, fundraising efforts, and managing the extensive building projects that MVCA is currently undergoing in the process of growing the school. Some of his favorite hobbies include reading, golf, and spending time with his family..