Michelle Russell
Biography
Michelle was appointed as our Chief Executive in October 2020. She has over 25 years of experience working in regulation and regulatory environments in both the public and private sectors.
Before becoming Chief Executive, Michelle was the SIA’s Director of Partnerships and Intervention, a position she held from January 2020. In this role, Michelle led the criminal enforcement and regulatory inspection functions of the SIA.
Michelle joined the SIA from the Charity Commission where she was the Director of Investigations, Monitoring and Enforcement for over 5 years. As well as being accountable for the Commission’s high-risk investigations and compliance work, Michelle also led its specialist monitoring, outreach, and accountancy functions.
During her time at the Charity Commission, Michelle developed national strategies on counterterrorism, fraud, financial abuse, and safeguarding. She sat on several cross-government and industry groups, particularly those with a focus on terrorism and serious crime issues.
Michelle began her career as a qualified solicitor working in the private and then public sectors.
Michelle is also a Board Member of the Association of Chief Executives.
Previous roles in government
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Director of Investigations, Monitoring and Enforcement