Rusty is the Founder and Co-Owner of The Green Monkey, a gift shop and neighborhood bar, along with his husband Drew Temple. The Green Monkey started at the Raleigh Flea Market at the NC State Fairgrounds in 2007 before opening in its permanent location on Hillsborough Street in October 2013. Prior to opening The Green Monkey, Rusty earned his Associates Degree in Accounting from Wilson Techical College before moving to the triangle in 1987. Rusy is a founding member of the Annual OUTRaleigh Festival for the LGBTQ Center of Raleigh and currently resides in Clayton. He brings a fresh perspective to the Board as a newer business ower and member.