Peter Russell of Cumberland and East Boothbay was recently honored for more than 40 years of “distinguished service in human resources, leadership development, and organizational strategy,” by Coastal Counties Workforce, Inc.

Russell, son of Win Russell of East Boothbay and the late Ingeborg Russell, is a graduate of Maine Maritime Academy with a degree in marine engineering and a minor in industrial management.

Over his career, Russell has worked for several companies in organizational development, human resources, leadership development, talent acquisition, performance management and other jobs. Some of those companies include IDEXX, WEX, CCB Inc., IRC Industrial Roofing Company, Cianbro, Maine Medical Center and Mercy Health System of Maine.

Russell was a member of the board of directors of Coastal Counties Workforce Inc. (CCWI) and vice chair for nearly 20 years. CCWI is one of three Local Workforce Development Boards in Maine, with its region consisting of the coastal counties of Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Cumberland and York.

In a CCWI report, it is written, “We are proud to honor Peter as a recipient of this year’s Outstanding Service Award … Peter has dedicated his career to helping individuals and organizations grow….becoming a trusted HR leader across major industries – including energy, healthcare and technology. Peter has always brought integrity, compassion and excellence to his work … empowering others truly embodies the spirit of public service.”

On Sept. 19, Russell received a personal letter from Senator Susan M. Collins congratulating him on his CCWI award. The letter, in part, reads “Your outstanding leadership and dedication to workforce development have earned you this recognition. I applaud your commitment to compassion and ethics in the workplace.”