Local

Comings & Goings

Russ named DoD’s director of Counterintelligence and Global SAP Security

Published

6 years ago

January 9, 2021

Lee M. Russ, gay news, Washington Blade — **Lee M. Russ** (Photo public domain)

The Comings & Goings column is about sharing the professional successes of our community. We want to recognize those landing new jobs, new clients for their business, joining boards of organizations and other achievements. Please share your successes with us at: [email protected].

Congratulations to Special Agent Lee M. Russ on his new position as DoD’s first Executive Director of Counterintelligence and Global SAP Security located at the Pentagon. Upon learning of his selection, Russ said, “I take great pride in being an integral part of the greatest military force in the world that is diverse, inclusive, and representative of the American people that we serve. I’m excited for the new opportunity and proud of the amazing work of our special agents, security and cybersecurity specialists, analysts, and support staff while I was assigned as the Deputy Director of the Office of Special Investigations (OSI), Office of Special Projects (PJ). This new career-broadening opportunity and the associated responsibilities within the Department of Defense Special Access Program Central Office (DoD SAPCO) highlights the immense value the Department of Defense and nation place on the work counterintelligence and security professionals do to protect technologies in order to acquire and deploy operational and intelligence capabilities to warfighters worldwide.”

Before moving to this position, which he began in January, Lee was a supervisory special agent serving as the deputy director of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Office of Special Projects, Joint Base Anacostia–Bolling, Washington, D.C., where he was responsible for operational control of more than 427 personnel at 41 field offices delivering specialized investigative, counterintelligence, polygraph, and program security management support for United States Air Force and Space Force Special Access Programs designed to protect advanced and emerging technologies for the Department of the Air Force and the Department of Defense.

Russ joined the Air Force in 1997. He became an OSI Special Agent in 2001 and transitioned to DAF Civil Service in 2006. He has also been the lead investigator in numerous major DAF and DoD counterintelligence and espionage cases. After basic training and Communications, Information Systems technical school, he was assigned to Minot Air Force Base, N.D., and deployed twice to Eskan Village in Saudi Arabia. In 2001, he retrained into OSI where he worked as a computer forensic field examiner, basic criminal and counterintelligence agent at Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C. In 2003, he deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar in support of Operation Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. In 2004, he was reassigned to the Pentagon as the Assistant Special Agent in-Charge where he conducted highly sensitive counterintelligence investigations. In 2006, Russ separated from the Air Force and was hired back to OSI as a civilian special agent where he served as a Command Program Security Officer protecting advanced and emerging technologies and operational capabilities. In 2014, he was selected to serve as the Special Agent in-Charge of OSI PJ’s Washington Field Office, where he oversaw and directed the initiation and execution of operational planning and specialized investigative, counterintelligence, and program security management support for Air Force SAPs.

Russ has earned many awards and honors including: Air Force Civilian Meritorious Service Medal (x3); Air Force Exemplary Civilian Service Medal; Joint Service Achievement Medal; National Counterintelligence & Security Award; DoD Counterintelligence Award; OSI Civilian Special Agent of the Year in 2011.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at American Intercontinental University, IL; a master’s in Strategic Studies, Air War College, Maxwell AFB, AL; and a master’s in Strategic Intelligence, National Defense University, D.C.

Related Topics:Lee M. Russ United States Department of Defense

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Maryland

Md. groups receive state grants to fight hate crimes

Pride Center of Maryland among recipients

Published

2 days ago

September 9, 2026

Alexis McLean

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore speaks at the Human Rights Campaign's National Dinner in D.C. on Sept. 13, 2025. His administration in the 2027 fiscal year will give $10 million in grants to the Pride Center of Maryland and other groups that work to prevent hate crimes in Maryland. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy are awarding a total of $10 million in grants in the 2027 fiscal year to nonprofit organizations that work to prevent hate crimes in the state.

The funds will be used to support those who feel targeted or discriminated against because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status.

The Pride Center of Maryland is among the recipients. Churches, synagogues, mosques, and LGBTQ organizations are all eligible to receive grants

“The safety and security of all Marylanders is my top priority, so we are drawing a hard line because we have no tolerance for hate,” said Moore, according to media reports. “We are committed to protecting and ensuring safe and sacred spaces stay that way by investing in non-profit organizations, houses of worship, and community centers to protect and honor every community that makes our state so diverse and special.”

“Protection Against Hate Crime funding has strengthened the Pride Center of Maryland’s ability to protect, educate, and support the communities we serve … at a time of heightened concern associated with the Trump administration’s anti-LGBTQ/SGL (same-gender-loving) policies and pressures,” Pride Center of Maryland CEO Cleo Manago said. “PAHC funding helps us do more than improve physical security — it strengthens our community’s knowledge, preparedness, connection to resources, and ability to respond to hate with greater awareness and support.”

Maryland’s hate crimes law includes both sexual orientation and gender identity. The state’s nondiscrimination statute is also LGBTQ-inclusive.

District of Columbia

Blade welcomes fall intern

Alexis McLean is student at University of North Florida

Published

1 week ago

September 2, 2026

Staff reports

Alexis McLean (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)

The Washington Blade this week welcomed Alexis McLean as its fall intern.

Alexis is studying political science at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla. She is interning with the Blade as part of a continued partnership with the Washington Center.

“I am looking forward to spending my time in the fall with the Washington Blade, as this is a new experience for me,” said Alexis. “I have not experienced any journalist jobs in the past so this would be my first time, and I am excited to better my writing and communications skills with this internship.”

Alexis’s internship with the Blade ends in early December.

Rehoboth Beach

SUNFESTIVAL takes center stage as Rehoboth Beach closes out summer

Labor Day Weekend bustling with events, including David Archuleta performance

Published

1 week ago

September 1, 2026

Thomas Weaverling

David Archuleta headlines this year’s SUNFESTIVAL on Saturday in Rehoboth Beach. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer in Rehoboth Beach, but there will be no shortage of LGBTQ events, with CAMP Rehoboth’s annual SUNFESTIVAL taking over town this weekend.

Thursday (9/3)

Get your Labor Day Weekend started early Thursday night with happy hour from 5-7 p.m. at Diego’s Bar & Nightclub, followed by Naughtee Bingo hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 8:30 p.m.

After bingo, the party continues with Dancing at Diego’s from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Aqua Bar & Grill will also kick off its Labor Day Weekend festivities Thursday with a DJ spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Friday (9/4)

The weekend ramps up Friday night at Aqua, where DJ Matt Bailer will keep the dance floor moving from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Over at Diego’s, DJ Steve Sidewalk will then take over Diego’s for Freedom Friday from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.

Saturday (9/5)

The main event of the weekend arrives Saturday with the opening night of CAMP Rehoboth’s SUNFESTIVAL.

Billed as the ultimate party to close out the summer, SUNFESTIVAL has become one of Rehoboth’s signature Labor Day Weekend events. The annual celebration sells out each year, with proceeds benefiting CAMP Rehoboth.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments available at the cash bar while attendees are invited to socialize and find their seats.

Saturday night will feature local singer Ashley Williams as the opening performer, followed by headliner David Archuleta. The event will also feature a live auction.

Back across town Saturday, Aqua will continue its Labor Day Weekend DJ lineup from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Diego’s will also have plenty happening, with ‘Splash Party’ hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 5 p.m., followed by a Saturday Dance Party with Brett Oosterhaus from 9 p.m.- 1:30 a.m.

The Blue Moon hosts its popular Legends Show at 9 p.m. It’s an all-live singing show by the Blue Moon cast of celebrity impersonators.

Etienne Pilon has taken Rehoboth by storm this summer. Check out the talented singer/pianist at The Pines from 7-10 p.m.

Sunday (9/6)

Sunday’s SUNFESTIVAL event will shift the focus to the dance floor, with globally renowned DJs Robbie Leslie and James Anthony scheduled to perform. Doors open at 7 p.m., with dancing continuing until 1 a.m.

On Sunday, Aqua will throw its annual White Party, with DJs spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Guests are encouraged to dress in white for the holiday weekend celebration.

Diego’s will host its Sunday High T-Dance with Pamala Stanley at 5 p.m. Later that evening, DJ Tannr will be spinning at 9 p.m.

John Flynn is on the piano from 6-8 p.m. at the Blue Moon.