Capital Area Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association Announces Russell Redding as the 2026 Alumni Collective Honoree

The Capital Area Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association is proud to announce Russell Redding as the 2026 Alumni Collective Honoree. This recognition celebrates Penn State alumni who have achieved exceptional professional success, demonstrated outstanding leadership, and used their experience and knowledge to positively impact their communities, industries, and the Commonwealth.

A proud Penn Stater, Russell Redding earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education and his Master of Science degree in Agricultural and Extension Education from Penn State University. He is also a graduate of the Agribusiness Executive Program, further strengthening the foundation for a career dedicated to advancing agriculture, education, and public service.

Throughout his distinguished career, Russell has risen to the highest levels of agricultural leadership in Pennsylvania state government, earning the respect and confidence of leaders across multiple administrations. His commitment to collaboration, innovation, and service has helped shape agricultural policy and support one of Pennsylvania’s most important industries.

On May 10, 2023, Russell was unanimously confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate to serve as Pennsylvania’s 27th Secretary of Agriculture after being nominated by Governor Josh Shapiro to continue his leadership of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Prior to this appointment, he served as Secretary of Agriculture from 2015–2022 under Governor Tom Wolf and previously served in the role from 2009–2011 under Governor Ed Rendell.

Russell’s career in public service spans more than 30 years, including leadership roles in both Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. He served as an Agricultural Policy Advisor to U.S. Senator Harris Wofford and dedicated nearly 25 years to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. His influence has extended nationally through his service on the Agriculture Subcommittee of the USDA’s Equity Commission.

Beyond government service, Russell has contributed significantly to agricultural education. He served as Dean of the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at Delaware Valley University, helping prepare the next generation of agricultural professionals and leaders.

A lifelong Pennsylvanian, Russell’s passion for agriculture is rooted in personal experience. Raised on his family’s dairy farm and later serving as a dairy farm operator himself, he brings firsthand knowledge and a deep appreciation for the people and communities that sustain agriculture. Russell and his wife, Nina, have two adult sons and continue their agricultural connection through the farm they own and operate in Gettysburg.

The Capital Area Chapter is honored to recognize Russell Redding as the 2026 Alumni Collective Honoree. His journey reflects the values of Penn State — leadership, service, lifelong learning, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference.

As part of the Alumni Collective’s mission to “share the knowledge,” future editions of the Chapter newsletter will feature articles from Russell, providing members the opportunity to learn from his experiences, insights, and perspective gained throughout an extraordinary career of leadership and service.

Please join us in congratulating Russell Redding on this well-deserved recognition.