State Farm® Names Michelle Russo as Chief Communications Officer

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company announced today that it has named Michelle Russo as its first Chief Communications Officer, a newly created executive role designed to further enhance the company’s strategic communications, brand reputation, and stakeholder engagement.

Russo joins State Farm from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where she served as Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, leading transformative efforts across brand, media, digital, and thought leadership. A seasoned communications executive with deep experience in global reputation management, strategic storytelling, and organizational growth, Russo will report directly to CEO Jon Farney.

“State Farm is evolving to meet the needs of our customers and communities in a rapidly changing world,” said Farney. “Michelle’s leadership will help us communicate with greater clarity, purpose, and impact. Her experience aligns perfectly with our long-standing mission to be a best-in-class company that lives up to our ‘good neighbor’ promise every day.”

Prior to her role at the U.S. Chamber, Russo was Head of Global Communications at Discovery, where she led crisis response during pivotal global events, oversaw communications and public affairs strategy for the company’s entry into the Olympic Games, and played a key role in its debut as a publicly traded company. Her career spans high-stakes leadership across media, policy, and business transformation.

“After more than six years promoting and protecting U.S. business interests on the national and global stage, it’s an honor to join such an iconic American company and brand,” said Russo. “The ‘good neighbor’ culture at State Farm is more than a slogan—it’s a deeply rooted value system that guides how the company shows up for people. I’m excited to help shape and share that story as we build trust, drive transformation, and connect with the next generation of customers and employees.”

As CCO, Russo will lead the communications strategy, integrating corporate, brand, internal, and agency communications to support the strategic priorities and cultural evolution of State Farm.