Women & Business Profile: Justine Russo

“Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from trying.”

For Justine Russo, sustainability is about more than environmental stewardship. It’s about helping a business operate more efficiently, make better decisions and create lasting value for employees, customers and the communities it serves. That perspective has guided her work at PITT OHIO, where she leads initiatives that combine sustainability with data-driven strategy.

Russo is director of sustainability and business intelligence at PITT OHIO, a transportation, warehouse and logistics company headquartered in Pittsburgh. In her role, she oversees the company’s environmental, social and governance initiatives while also leading business intelligence efforts that help drive operational performance.

“I would describe myself as collaborative, analytical and purpose-driven,” Russo said. “I enjoy bringing people together to solve complex problems and finding opportunities to make meaningful improvements.”

Throughout her career, Russo has helped advance PITT OHIO’s sustainability goals, including efforts focused on reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency and strengthening reporting processes. She has also worked to integrate sustainability into broader business strategy, demonstrating how environmental initiatives can support operational success.

“The best business advice I’ve ever received is, ‘Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from trying,'” Russo said. “Some of the greatest opportunities come from taking calculated risks and being willing to learn along the way.”

Russo believes one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today is balancing long-term sustainability goals with immediate operational needs. As customer expectations, technology and regulations continue to evolve, companies must remain flexible while staying focused on their core mission.

Outside of work, Russo enjoys giving back through community service and supporting organizations that promote education, environmental stewardship and workforce development. Looking ahead, she sees continued opportunities for innovation as businesses embrace new technologies and sustainable practices that create value for future generations.