Russ Branzell is the president and CEO of the College of Healthcare Information Executives (CHIME).

Before joining CHIME in April 2013, Branzell served as CEO for the Colorado Health Medical Group. He previously was the vice president of information services and CIO for Poudre Valley Health System and the president/CEO of Innovation Enterprises (PVHS' for-profit IS entity). Before joining PVHS, Branzell was the regional deputy CIO and executive director of information services for Sisters of Mercy Health System in St. Louis, MO. Branzell served on active duty in the U.S. Air Force and retired from the Air Force Reserves in 2008. While on active duty, he served in health care administration positions, including CIO for the Air Mobility Command Surgeon General’s Office. In 1996, he was selected for the Air Force Medical Service Fellowship program and completed a CIO internship at the Unity Health System in St. Louis.

A native of San Antonio, Branzell earned an undergraduate degree in business administration specializing in human resource management and labor relations from the University of Texas. In addition, he earned a master’s degree in aerospace science from Embry-Riddle University with an emphasis in management.