Russell Johnson

Russell is a Bakersfield Native who graduated from Stockdale High School in 1997. After obtaining his undergraduate requirements at Bakersfield College, he transferred to the University of California Santa Barbara where he obtained his degree in history.

He returned in 2002 to begin working as a district representative for a State until he left to work in the private sector in 2005.  At that time, he was appointed to the Bakersfield Planning Commission where he served from August of 2005 until April of 2009.

In 2007, he was asked to serve as Kern County Supervisor Mike Maggard’s chief of staff; a position he held until December, 2009.

January, 2010 marked the start of a new chapter in Russell’s life as he started his own public affairs and community relations business Common Sense Consulting.  His clientele includes energy companies, contractors, land development, agriculture and non-profit trade associations.

Community service has always been a passion of Russell’s.  He has served on many non-profit boards, including The Boys and Girls Club of Kern County, Kern County Right to Life, The Center for Kern Political Education.

In 2010, Russell was elected to represent the Citizens of Bakersfield as the Ward 7 City Council Member, a position he held until November 2014.

Russell’s family has lived in Kern County for many years; in fact, his grandfather Bill Park served on the Bakersfield City Council in the late 1960’s.

He and his wife Susanne have been married since 2006 and have two boys.