Michael Russell
Chief Executive Officer
H.J. Russell & Company
Atlanta, Georgia
Elected: January 2019
Term expires: December 31, 2024
Michael Russell has served as chief executive officer of H.J. Russell & Company in Atlanta, Georgia, since 2003. H.J. Russell & Company, founded more than 60 years ago, is a vertically integrated service provider specializing in real estate development, construction, and program management. The company has extensive experience in building and renovating projects in diverse market segments including high-profile offices, parking decks, public assembly, retail, multifamily residential, student housing, and institutional, educational, and sports facilities.
Prior to becoming chief executive officer, Mr. Russell, who joined the company in 1990, served in various executive roles, most recently as executive vice president responsible for the management and strategic direction of the construction and program management divisions.
Mr. Russell is a member of the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. He is also vice chairman of Concessions International, an innovator in the airport food and beverage concessions industry. He is actively involved in the strategic direction and growth initiatives of Concessions. The Russell Companies, which consists of H.J. Russell & Company and Concessions International, has more than 2,000 employees with operations in 10 major cities including Atlanta (its headquarters), Dallas, Boston, Miami, Seattle, and Denver as well as operations in the US Virgin Islands.
Mr. Russell serves on the executive committee of the Metro Atlanta Chamber and is on the boards of directors of the Atlanta Committee for Progress and Georgia Research Alliance. He is also a member of the Atlanta Rotary Club and 100 Black Men.
Mr. Russell received his BS degree in civil engineering from the University of Virginia and his MBA from Georgia State University.