Michael Russell has served as chief executive officer of H. J. Russell & Company in Atlanta, Georgia, since 2003. H. J. Russell & Company, founded over 60 years ago, is a vertically integrated service provider specializing in construction and program management services. The company has extensive experience in building and renovating projects in diverse market segments including mission critical data center, public assembly, multi-family residential, sports facilities , student housing and healthcare.

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, employs more than 2,000 individuals with operations in 10 major cities including Atlanta, location of its headquarters; Dallas; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Denver; and the US Virgin Islands.

Michael’s civic involvement includes serving on the boards of the Georgia Research Alliance and NACD. He is on the executive committee of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, The Atlanta Committee for Progress and is a member of the Atlanta Rotary Club, AEC Unites, and 100 Black Men of Atlanta.

Mr. Russell received his BS degree in civil engineering from the University of Virginia and his MBA from Georgia State University.