Russell Graeter was sworn into office as Commissioner, Precinct 2 on January 1, 2002.

Before becoming a Commissioner, Russell owned businesses both in Austin and in Burnet.  He went to work in 1989 for the Adult Probation Department in Burnet starting the Community Services Program.  After receiving his Peace Officers license, he spent the next thirteen years in law enforcement, first as a Deputy, then being promoted to an Investigator for the Burnet County Sheriff's Office.

• He has been a member of the Burnet Volunteer Fire Department for the last 33 years, presently serving as a Captain.
• He presently serves on the Board of the Highland Lakes Boys and Girls Club.
• He also serves on the Advisory Council of the Burnet Unit of the Boys and Girls Club of the Highland Lakes, and he was instrumental in founding the Unit.
• He is a member of TRIAD, Seniors working with Law Enforcement to prevent Crimes against Senior Citizens.
• He is a member of the Burnet Chamber of Commerce.

Since becoming a County Commissioner, Russell has been appointed to several governmental committees.

• Homeland Security Task Force, representing Burnet County
• Solid Waste Advisory Committee
• Burnet County Sick Leave Committee
• Burnet County Building Committee
• Burnet County Sub Division Committee

Russell has strong ties to Burnet County.  Four generations of the Graeter Family are living in Precinct 2.  He and his wife Doris reared their two children, Royce and Sandy, in Burnet County.  Now, Russell and Doris' four grandchildren are being reared in Burnet County.

Russell and his family are members of the First United Methodist Church in Burnet.