We're excited to share that Shane Russell has joined Pavilion as a software engineer. He has over a decade of experience building high-quality software across a variety of domains like eCommerce, entertainment, and healthcare. He even worked for many years as a federal employee in the United States Digital Service (USDS) building the system that now manages all veteran legal appeals. We asked Shane a few questions about himself and the experiences that led him to Pavilion.
Why Pavilion?
When working for the Department of Veterans Affairs, I saw firsthand how difficult it could be to procure the resources needed to properly serve veterans. I met Mari back then when she was working for the City of San Francisco, and I was surprised to find out she was experiencing a lot of the same problems at the local level. I love the approach that the founders and the rest of the Pavilion team have taken to help alleviate some of these problems. I’m excited about the impact Pavilion could have on so many citizens, and I’m joining the team to help make it happen.
What do you like to do when you're not working?
I love to dance, mainly in a style called West Coast Swing. I even compete every month or so. I’m also an alumni of the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!), and I love watching Crimson Tide Football with my friends and family in the fall.
What’s something you’re not good at, but working on?
Prayer and meditation. I’m constantly on the go, and even in my spare moments, I tend to distract myself with stuff like Twitter, YouTube, Reddit, blogs, etc. Lately, I’ve realized how important it can be to slow down, disconnect and make space to be with God. I’m still not that great at it, though. :)
What’s your favorite quote?
“It's not about being the boss, but being the servant willing to wash other people's feet. More than anything, it's about understanding that you don't have all the answers.” I love this quote from Charity Haygood in The Prize: Who's in Charge of America's Schools? It’s a powerful quote from a teacher caught in the storm of Mark Zuckerberg’s 100 million dollar donation to the Newark City school system, and the fallout of the reform attempts that followed. It’s a huge reminder to me and anyone working to alleviate large-scale government problems to work hard but stay humble and always be listening.
