Our Team
PEOPLE DRIVEN BY POSSIBILITY.
A dedicated team of leaders, educators, and advisors working to create opportunity, ownership, and lasting impact through creativity.
Higher Opportunities.
President & Chairman
Don Russell
Founder, President & Chairman
Don Russell is the founder, president, and chairman of The Altitude Program (T.A.P.). A visionary leader and community advocate, Don Russell created T.A.P. to empower individuals in underserved communities through creative education, workforce development, and access to the tools and opportunities of the digital economy.
With a background in real estate development, media, and technology, Don Russell brings a unique blend of business acumen and community commitment to T.A.P. Under his leadership, the organization has grown from a bold idea into a transformative platform that is now anchored by the future Content Fulfillment Center (CFC) on Chicago's West Madison Street — a hub for creativity, training, and economic opportunity.
Don Russell remains deeply committed to building a future where local talent can create, own, and monetize their work while strengthening their communities.
“Our mission is bigger than programs — it's about people, potential, and building a brighter future together.”
— Don Russell
Executive Director
Keishunda “Ki” Miller
Executive Director
Keishunda “Ki” Miller serves as Executive Director of The Altitude Program (T.A.P.). A dynamic leader with a passion for education, youth development, and community empowerment, Ki oversees T.A.P.'s day-to-day operations, program implementation, and strategic partnerships.
With extensive experience in program management and nonprofit leadership, Ki is committed to creating pathways for individuals to develop skills, access resources, and achieve long-term success in the creative economy. She plays a key role in building strong relationships with community partners, educators, and industry professionals to ensure T.A.P. continues to expand its reach and impact.
Ki believes in the power of opportunity to transform lives and is dedicated to making T.A.P. a model for community-driven change.
“When you invest in people and give them the right tools, incredible things happen. T.A.P. is about opening doors and creating real pathways to success.”
— Keishunda Miller
Strategic Advisors
Charles Johnson
Strategic Advisor
Charles Johnson brings deep expertise in hospitality, facilities management, and operational excellence. As a strategic advisor to T.A.P., he provides guidance on facility development, program operations, and industry partnerships to help position the organization for long-term success.
Clyde S. El-Amin
Program Advisor
Clyde S. El-Amin is an experienced educator, leader, and community advocate with a long history of developing programs that inspire and equip young people for success. His commitment to education and empowerment aligns perfectly with T.A.P.'s mission.
Consultants
Ernest Brown
Financial Consultant
Ernest Brown is a University of Illinois Chicago graduate with degrees in architecture and construction management. After establishing his expertise in construction scheduling in Washington, D.C., he returned to Chicago and later founded Brown & Momen in 1987, a general contracting and construction management firm. A longtime advocate for minority contractors and the skilled trades, Ernest remains deeply committed to creating opportunities and strengthening the Chicago communities that shaped him.
John H. Brandt
Legal Consultant
John is an acoustics and audio/video design expert specializing in world-class recording studios, theaters, critical listening spaces, and immersive Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D environments. With decades of experience, his expertise spans acoustic isolation, room acoustics, building systems, and low-noise infrastructure. His meticulous approach delivers exceptional performance for demanding music and film environments.
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