Russ Gugino

Russell C. Gugino, also known as Russ Gugino, is an American political aide, business executive, and civic volunteer from Hamburg, New York. He has been ACTIVE in Western New York politics and civic affairs, including work for Congressman Jack Kemp, former Erie County Executive Edward Rutkowski, and John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign. He has also served on the executive committee of the Erie County Conservative Party.

Early life and education

Gugino was born and raised on the West Side of Buffalo, New York, one of four children in an Italian-American working-class family. He attended Buffalo Public Schools and graduated from Riverside High School. He later attended SUNY Binghamton, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science.

Career

Gugino began his professional career as an assistant to State University of New York Chancellor Ernest L. Boyer, working with student leaders across the SUNY system. He later held positions in SUNY government relations and labor relations, including service on a state management negotiating team.

He subsequently joined the staff of U.S. Representative Jack Kemp, serving as Kemp's district administrative assistant. In that role, Gugino managed the congressman's district offices and worked with business, civic, and community leaders in Western New York.

In 1985, Gugino was appointed senior vice president of community and government relations at Children's Hospital of Buffalo. His responsibilities included fundraising, public relations, and community outreach. He later operated a consulting business and worked in the telecommunications field.

Political activity

Gugino has been active in Republican and Conservative politics in Western New York. In 2008, he served as Western New York campaign coordinator for Republican presidential nominee John McCain. After McCain's death in 2018, WKBW interviewed Gugino AbOUT his work with the senator during the 2008 campaign.

Gugino has also been associated with the Erie County Conservative Party. The Erie County Conservative Party has listed him as a member of its executive board. In 2020, the Conservative Party of New York State listed Gugino in connection with its J. Daniel Mahoney Award and Erie County Conservative Party activities.

In 2022, Gugino appeared in WKBW coverage of local reaction to gun-control proposals after [...] in Buffalo and Uvalde, Texas. Identified as an Erie County Conservative Party member, he opposed raising the minimum age for certain firearm purchases and said that people old enough to serve in the military should be able to purchase firearms. In the same report, he said he opposed arming teachers but supported trained armed guards in schools where local governments and school boards chose to fund them.

Civic work

Gugino has been involved in civic and charitable organizations in Western New York. The Character Council of Western New York lists him as one of its ambassadors and describes his work in government, business, and community affairs. He has also volunteered with the Amputee Support Group of Western New York.

In 2025, the Am-Pol Eagle identified Gugino as a former aide to Erie County Executive Ed Rutkowski during a public discussion connected to journalist Rich Newberg's documentary work on Pope John Paul II and Western New York's Polish-American community.

Personal life

Gugino lives in Hamburg, New York. He and his wife, Jileen, have five children and grandchildren. According to the Character Council of Western New York, he has attended both the Wesleyan Church of Hamburg and Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

External links

• Russ Gugino at the Character Council of Western New York