Leadership

Meet Our Leadership

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Richard J. Bautch, PhD 
Executive Director, The Holy Cross Institute | Professor in The School of Arts and Humanities 

Richard Bautch hails from the Chicago area and is a product of Holy Cross education (University of Notre Dame, MA and PhD). As an educator, his deepest roots are in Catholic high school teaching; Bautch taught English to sophomores and juniors for several years before going to graduate studies and focusing on Christianity and Judaism in antiquity. 

In addition to teaching at St. Edward’s University, Bautch has held leadership roles including department chair and associate dean in the School of Arts and Humanities. He has also served as chief executive of the Southwest Commission on Religious Studies (2014–2018). Within the Catholic Biblical Association (CBA), he served on the executive board (2014–2016, 2018–present) and was elected president of the CBA in 2025, a term he is currently serving.  

Bautch joined the HCI Board of Governors in 2019 and served a term as its chair. In his current role as executive director, he collaborates closely with fellow leaders across the Holy Cross family in our institutions of secondary and higher education. “Our common aim,” Bautch said, “is to accomplish what Blessed Basile Moreau spoke of as ‘the successful cultivation of the Lord’s vineyard to which we have been called.’” Bautch has a special interest in Basile Moreau the Scripture scholar and enjoys researching this aspect of the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Ave Crux, Spes Unica! 

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Amberly Russell, M.A., M.S.I.S.
Associate Director of Communications, The Holy Cross Institute 

Amberly Russell is a seasoned digital content creator and marketing strategist with extensive experience in higher education, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. She specializes in managing cross-functional teams, developing comprehensive digital marketing strategies, and crafting compelling content that enhances engagement, drives lead generation, and strengthens brand presence.

With a strong background in digital media, Amberly has successfully led initiatives that expand audience reach and visibility, leveraging data-driven strategies to optimize campaign performance. Her passion for storytelling ensures that every message resonates with its intended audience and fosters meaningful connections.

Her global experiences—teaching English in Thailand and South Korea, serving in the Army in Germany, and traveling extensively—have enriched her perspective, deepened her cultural awareness, and strengthened her ability to collaborate across diverse teams. These experiences inform her approach to digital strategy, emphasizing inclusivity and impact.

Amberly was drawn to the Holy Cross Institute by its commitment to education, service, and values-driven leadership. She is inspired by its mission to cultivate compassionate and ethical leaders and is eager to amplify its message through innovative digital strategies that connect with students, educators, and the broader community.

In her free time, Amberly enjoys patio weather, live music and traveling to state and federal parks as well as the charming Texas Hill Country with her dog in tow.

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Tony Slagle, M.B.A.
Administrative Assistant, The Holy Cross Institute 

Tony Slagle is a native of Fort Worth,Texas, and has been deeply rooted in his Catholic faith throughout his life. He attended Catholic schools from first grade through graduate school, which gave him a personal understanding of the impact of a Catholic education on shaping a person’s moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social development. Tony also has a special connection to Holy Cross. He earned his undergraduate degree from St. Edward’s University in 1992, met his wife there, and they were married in the chapel on campus in 1996. He is an active member of his local Holy Cross parish, St. Ignatius Martyr, where he has served in several ministries, including chairing the Parish Council.

Tony spent the majority of his professional career working in a government-relations capacity for several Texas agencies. After 25 years of service to the State of Texas, he retired in 2024. Following a brief period of post-retirement travel, Tony felt a calling to return to work in a role that was better aligned with his values. That led him to the Holy Cross Institute, where he looks forward to applying his experience, passion, and commitment to service in support of the Holy Cross community and its mission.

In his spare time, Tony volunteers at the Austin Public Library and the Austin History Center, and he serves on the Board of Directors for the Austin Museum of Popular Culture. He and his wife have raised two wonderful daughters, as well as several cats. He is an avid supporter of the local Austin music scene and co-hosts a music-focused podcast with a modest international following.