My name is Mike Russell, and this is my 16th year as building manager of Cabot House.  As building manager it is my priority and my responsibility to manage the facilities of all resident housing.  I collaborate with all facilities and operations staff to ensure that our buildings are not only safe but also that our historic buildings are being well preserved and maintained. I am responsible for the day to day functioning of our house, but, I am also responsible for and committed to keeping up with today’s green initiatives. Under my leadership, we have made many noteworthy improvements and advances in the overall maintenance and functionality of our Cabot buildings.  

In my role as building manager, I see myself as a first point of contact for many of our students, particularly those who live far away from family.  I try to make sure that each student who resides at Cabot, feels like a member of an extended family.  In collaboration with the House Deans, and tutors, we strive to provide students with support, guidance and problem solving skills as they experience college life away from home.

Before Harvard, I was the property manager at Drumlin Farm, a Mass Audubon sanctuary in Lincoln, Ma.  As property manager, I had many responsibilities on the 236 acre farm.  During that time, I raised my two daughters, who enjoyed farm life and were particularly fond of hay rides and waiting for the lambs to be born each spring.  My daughters, now fully grown, are both teachers in Cambridge, alongside my wife, who has been an educator in Cambridge for 30 years.

Outside of work, I have many interests and hobbies including golf, fishing and riding my motorcycle.  It goes without saying, I love being a part of the Cabot family.  I find both joy and inspiration from our incredible student body as they pursue academic life at Harvard.