In a recent interview with County Clerk Tiffany Moore Russell, we learned about her candidacy in the upcoming Orange County, Florida, mayoral election. As a dedicated community leader and public servant, Clerk Russell aims to bring her extensive experience to the role of mayor. Having served as Clerk of Court and a former County Commissioner, she has a deep understanding of the local government landscape and the needs of its residents. The election process involves a series of important steps, including public forums, community engagement, and gathering voter support. Here’s what she had to share about her life, aspirations, and commitment to the residents of Horizon West as she embarks on this exciting journey toward becoming Orange County’s next mayor.

Here is a little bit more about her, followed by our interview. Read on! 

Tiffany Moore Russell is a proud native of Orlando, Florida. She earned a BA in Political Science from the University of South Florida and a Juris Doctorate from Florida State University College of Law. Throughout her distinguished career, Tiffany has achieved several historic milestones, including being the youngest County Commissioner ever elected to serve on the Orange County Commission, the first African American woman elected as Clerk of Courts in Florida, and the first African American to hold the position of Clerk of Courts in Orange County.

She is actively involved in initiatives addressing domestic violence, serving as a member of the Domestic Violence Commission and the Domestic Violence Taskforce, and is a long-time supporter of Harbor House of Central Florida, an organization dedicated to providing shelter for women impacted by domestic violence. In recognition of her service and leadership, she received the 2016 Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Lifetime Achievement Award. Tiffany also serves on the Board of Directors for the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers Association and has been appointed to the Florida Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission. Outside of her professional commitments, she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Psi Theta Omega Chapter, and an active member of St. Mark AME Church in Orlando. She is married to Anthony K. Russell, Jr., and together they are the proud parents of Anthony K. Russell, III, and Aiden K. Russell.

HWH: Can You Tell Us About How You Ended Up a Horizon West Resident?

Clerk Russell: “My family and I were renting off of Daniels near Winter Garden Village, and it was just time to buy. We realized we were renting too long, which prompted us to seek out our realtor and explore available developments. This moment felt like a full-circle experience for me. I remember when I was a District 6 Commissioner, looking at the Horizon West plan and thinking, ‘I can’t believe we’re actually going to move to a community that I remember them talking about years ago.’ It was an emotional and significant milestone for us. Fortunately, the process of working with the developer was smooth, making it a rewarding experience as we transition into homeownership.”

HWH: What Inspired You to Run For Orange County Mayor?

Clerk Russell:  “As a commissioner, I always expressed my desire to be mayor. It’s about timing, and I want to be in a position where I can set the agenda. I’m deeply connected to this community; I grew up in Tangelo Park and graduated from Dr. Phillips High School. I’ve witnessed Orange County’s evolution, including areas that haven’t seen the same growth. I want to make Orange County an attractive place for the next generation, including my two sons.”

HWH: As the Current County Clerk, How Does Your Role Prepare You For the Role of County Mayor?

Clerk Russell:  “The Clerk of Court is a constitutional office in Florida, and we’re the official keeper of the court record. We handle all filings in the court system and keep track of evidence, along with many other statutory responsibilities like guardianship cases and the issuance of marriage licenses. My experiences as Clerk and as a former County Commissioner have provided me with insights into both policy-making and executive management. I manage a $30 million budget and have even chaired the statewide budget committee, giving me exposure to the legislative process and how it impacts local government.”

HWH: Can You Share How Your Background Has Shaped Your Leadership Approach?

Clerk Russell:  “Growing up in Tangelo Park, I’ve always been active in various activities, from being a drum major in high school to engaging in university organizations. This involvement has fueled my ambition to ensure that I’m not just sitting on the sidelines. I’ve always wanted to understand who sets the agenda and how I can get involved. Whether it’s in the clerk’s association or local organizations, I’ve aimed to be a proactive leader who seeks solutions.”

HWH: How Do You Plan to Engage With the Public to Address Their Concerns?

Clerk Russell:  “Engagement starts through the various advisory boards within the county. It’s crucial to reflect the diversity in our community through these appointments. If we’re not getting applications from certain areas, we should hold town hall meetings to encourage participation. For example, we focus on ensuring representation from different communities in District 6 and making our presence more felt in underserved areas.”

HWH: What Message Do You Have For Horizon West Residents as You Pursue Mayoral Office?

Clerk Russell:  “I encourage Horizon West citizens to engage and be part of the conversation. The community has a vital role in shaping what we want to become. Addressing issues like affordable housing requires collaboration. As we grow, we need to think about transportation and the type of community atmosphere we want to foster. It’s essential to have constructive discussions to figure out solutions together.”

HWH: Anything Else You Would Like to Add About Community Involement?

Clerk Russell:  “There are numerous advisory boards, from Animal Services to Parks and Recreation. I urge residents to get involved. For instance, we wanted a sand volleyball court at a new park, so we brought our ideas to the meetings. By sharing your thoughts, you can help shape your community. The county website has information about these boards and how to get involved, and I’m committed to making it more user-friendly for everyone.”

HWH: Do You Have Any Closing Thoughts For Your Neighbors in Horizon West?

Clerk Russell:  “Thank you for the opportunity to share my vision and experiences. It’s all about collaboration and ensuring that every voice in Orange County is heard. Let’s work together to build a community that everyone can be proud of.”

Learn More About Her Role as County Clerk Here: Meet Your Orange County Clerk of Court! 

Stay connected and informed as Clerk Russell embarks on her journey toward the mayoral office! Follow along on her campaign progress and get involved in shaping the future of Orange County.