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Russell Smith

Leader, Digital Impact Office - Americas

Country Digital Acceleration (CDA)

Russell Smith is Leader of the Americas Digital Impact Office at Cisco, leading the Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) and Networking Academy organizations. Rusty engages with leaders to help solve their top challenges and drive their digital agendas. From smart cities to country digitization, Rusty believes in the imperative to drive an inclusive future for all. Whether supporting the hybrid workforce and workplace, making education and training more accessible, or modernizing infrastructure to improve sustainability, Rusty and the team develop leading-edge strategies with secure, comprehensive solutions to help Cisco's customers. Rusty's 25+ year career in the industry includes leading high-performing service providers and Cisco VAR organizations, and he has extensive experience developing sales models, leading organizational transformations, and driving large-scale and incremental business growth. Before his current role, he led the Americas Sustainability market development teams and established Cisco's global public funding capture program in 32 countries outside the US.

Articles

November 4, 2025

OUR CORPORATE PURPOSE

Empowering students through technology: How LIFT is paving new learning pathways in rural communities

3 min read

In the heart of rural Illinois, a transformative educational initiative is making waves. Leaders Innovating for Tomorrow (LIFT) is reshaping the future for students in the Mattoon Community Unit School District #2 and beyond. By harnessing the power of Cisco technology, LIFT is offering students hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for exciting, non-traditional career paths.  A […]

March 27, 2025

OUR CORPORATE PURPOSE

Spotlight on Success: Celebrating the Winners of the U.S. Fast Future Innovation Awards

3 min read

This year's Fast Future Innovation Awards spotlight the transformative power of AI-driven solutions across the United States. From pioneering advancements in retail with Radius AI's Vision AI technology to redefining airport efficiency with Autonoma Labs' Autoverse project, these award winners are setting new standards for innovation. AI Growth Ops is revolutionizing workplace productivity with intelligent task assistance, promoting a healthy work-life balance and inclusivity. Together, these visionary companies exemplify the spirit of Cisco's Fast Future Innovation Awards by leading the charge in ethical, people-first AI solutions that promise an inclusive and forward-thinking future. Join us in celebrating their remarkable contributions as they pave the way for a brighter, more efficient tomorrow.

October 10, 2024

OUR CORPORATE PURPOSE

Shaping the Future: Announcing the U.S. Fast Future Innovation Awards

3 min read

Announcing the U.S. Fast Future Innovation Awards (FFIA)—the hunt for groundbreaking ideas that leverage AI to make a tangible impact. Whether your passion lies in education, sustainability, hybrid work, cybersecurity, healthcare, or critical infrastructure, your innovation could be the game-changer that revolutionizes how we live and work.

October 2, 2023

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OUR CORPORATE PURPOSE

Cisco’s Digital Impact Office powers digital inclusion across the globe

3 min read

Cisco's Digital Impact Office brings together Cisco's Networking Academy and Country Digital Acceleration program to build an inclusive global economy.