Leadership
Seeing the Way Forward.
From developing innovation solutions to providing exceptional customer service, every member of our leadership team helps keep us unmatched all the way around.
Matt Johnson
President and CEO
Matt is the great grandson of Russell Standard founder, Niles Russell. Tagging along to work with his father, Jim Johnson, Matt was part of the Russell Standard family at an early age. From cutting the grass outside plants to working in the field on paving crews, he gained experience in almost every part of the business before being named President in 2004. His experience with multiple parts of the business inform his work overseeing everything Russell Standard now.
Matt earned an MBA from Duquesne University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management and Finance from Mercyhurst University. In his free time, Matt enjoys traveling, playing golf, skiing and spending time with his family.
George Leach, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
If it has to do with money at Russell Standard, George is in charge of it. From finances and acquisitions to information technology and safety, he’s the foundation for the work we do in the field. But most of all, he’s dedicated to helping his team reach their full potential.
George earned a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in accounting from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. In his free time, he enjoys camping, hiking and skiing with his family.
Bob Huitt
Senior Vice President – Asphalt Materials
With over 30 years of experience in the asphalt cement and emulsion industry, Bob has the know-how to solve any of your network problems. A believer in Market-Based Management, he promotes our core values throughout our asphalt terminal and emulsion plant operations.
Bob has served as a Board of Director for the Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association (AEMA) since 2014. He also served as President from August 2020 to March 2023. A native of a small Midwest farming town, he enjoys hiking, camping, hunting, fishing and golf.
Mike Rowe
Vice President – Pavement Preservation
No matter what he’s working on, Mike is passionate about leaving things better than he found them. It’s the perfect mindset for the leader of construction and pavement preservation operations. With over 15 years of infrastructure construction experience, he assists our teams with growth and development.
Mike has a Bachelor of Science in Safety and Environmental Management from Slippery Rock University and an MBA from Waynesburg University with a Project Management concentration. He enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife Kristen and sons, Blake and Colt.
Barbara Santella
Vice President, Human Resources
When it comes to making everyone feel welcome in our family, Barbara makes the transition for new members a top priority. In charge of HR, she oversees talent acquisition, employee development and more. Building on over 20 years of experience, she helps strengthen our HR structure through technology, compliance and people.
Barbara has a Bachelor’s Degree from Robert Morris University and Master’s degree from Capella University. She is also a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). In her free time, she likes to travel and spend time with her family.
John Shutsa, “Junior”
Vice President, Business and Corporate Development
Junior is our resident expert at building strong relationships. With over 20 years of industry knowledge, he has focused the last five on building our sales team to serve a growing customer base throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, including expansion into Ohio and West Virginia. His current focus is on new business development and corporate growth strategies.
John was born and raised in Ohio. He graduated from the University of Akron and loves Cleveland sports, golf, cycling, travel and spending quality time with his six children, two grandchildren and friends.