leadership team
Russ Johnson
Chief Executive Officer
Russ Johnson is a seasoned leader and entrepreneur with nearly 30 years of experience in technology, consulting, and public education advocacy. He began his career in 1998 as Managing Principal and CEO of a regional technology integrator, where he led its growth to nearly 150 employees and $50 million in sales over 15 years. In 2014, driven by a vision for unbiased and strategic technology guidance, Russ co-founded True North Consulting Group, expanding it into a national firm of over 65 consultants providing innovative solutions to education, government, and enterprise organizations.
In 2024, Russ and his partners launched Tessera Technology Group, a venture that merges the strategic excellence of consulting with the practical expertise of integration. Tessera represents the culmination of Russ’s career—a mosaic of experiences, relationships, and lessons learned over three decades of leadership.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Russ serves as a trustee for Lorena Independent School District, advocating for educational excellence and strategic decision-making to benefit students, educators, and the community. He frequently speaks at events like TASA, TASB, A4LE, and TETL conferences, collaborating with education leaders to explore forward-thinking strategies in governance, facilities planning, and curriculum development.
Russ is married to Dr. Mandy Johnson, who retired after nearly 30 years in public education. Together, they have seven daughters—Brittany, Emily, Lindsay, Viola, Betsy, Elena, and Kennedy—and three grandchildren.
A strong believer in the power of teamwork, Russ strives to create environments where ideas flourish, challenges are met with innovation, and communities thrive. His leadership journey is defined by an unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in education and beyond.
Contact Russ at [email protected].
Tony Chojnowski
Chief Operating Officer
Tony Chojnowski’s career in technology and security began in 1993 at a regional firm in Minnesota, where he held a senior position. In 2001, he joined Elert & Associates, eventually rising to Executive Vice President and Partner by 2013, managing daily operations and supporting multi-office sales efforts. In 2014, Tony relocated to Waco to establish True North Consulting Group, growing it into one of Texas’s largest independently-owned consulting firms.
In 2024, Tony and his partners launched Tessera Technology Group, a venture that merges the strategic excellence of consulting with the practical expertise of integration. Tessera stands out as a new breed of security and technology integration firm, prioritizing client needs above all.
Tony holds multiple industry certifications from the Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI), including Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD), Outside Plant (OSP), and Registered Technology Project Manager (RTPM). He is actively involved with BICSI and ASIS Security, specializing in areas such as video surveillance, premise access control, integrated active threat systems, cabling infrastructure, overhead paging systems, customer-owned outside plant fiber optic distribution systems, and program management.
Tony has been married to his high school sweetheart, Hesper, for over 30 years, and they have four children: Roman, Micah, Caleb, and Elijah. He is deeply committed to enhancing security and ensuring client environments are safe and secure.
Contact Tony at [email protected].
jeff coombs
Chief Strategy Officer
Jeff Coombs is a dedicated leader with over 25 years of experience in the communications industry. He began his career in 1999 at a telecommunications integrator in Dallas, Texas, taking on various technical, managerial, and sales roles. In 2008, Jeff joined Elert & Associates, further refining his expertise. In 2010, he supported the Department of Defense in Afghanistan, providing critical telecommunications and infrastructure solutions. Upon returning in 2011, he continued his career at Elert & Associates, eventually taking on the role of Director of Operations and becoming a founding principal of True North Consulting Group.
In 2024, Jeff and his partners launched Tessera Technology Group, a venture that merges the strategic excellence of consulting with the practical expertise of integration. Jeff’s extensive experience in communications and strategy plays a pivotal role in Tessera’s mission to provide innovative solutions to clients.
Jeff is committed to delivering strategic insights and fostering innovation within the company. His leadership is instrumental in guiding Tessera’s growth and ensuring the company meets the evolving needs of its clients.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Jeff enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the Caribbean and other international hotspots, immersing themselves in new cultures and experiences.
Contact Jeff at [email protected].