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Herman Russell Sr.
Chairman
H.J. Russell & Company |
Robinson Honoray Alumnus
Atlanta native Herman Russell was an accomplished tradesman by age 12, having learned the plastering business from his father. Returning to Atlanta after college, he took over his father's company in 1952. Under Herman's leadership, H. J. Russell & Company has expanded into the areas of construction, construction management, real estate development and property management. Herman's business interests also have grown to include Concessions International LLC, with food and beverage units in seven major airports and partnership in the new upscale Paschal's restaurant, which is a cornerstone in his Castleberry Hill development, intended to revitalize the southwest edge of downtown Atlanta. |
H. J. Russell & Company is ranked the fourth-largest minority industrial/service company in the U.S. Herman's corporate portfolio includes work with major Fortune 500 companies such as Georgia Pacific, Delta Airlines, The Coca-Cola Company, Turner Field and the Georgia World Congress Center. Plus, the Russell legacy is permanently etched into the city's landscape as a partner in building the Atlanta City Hall Complex, Georgia Dome, Carter Presidential Center and Philips Arena.
Herman worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s. He became the first black member, and later president, of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. He has served as a board member for civic organizations including the Allen Temple AME Church, Butler Street YMCA, Tuskegee University and the Georgia State University Advisory Board.
Herman strongly believes today's youth need positive role models and mentors and established the Herman J. Russell Foundation Inc., which is focused on stimulating the self-sufficiency of youth and the communities in which they live.
Herman has received many awards, including the Dow Jones Entrepreneurial Excellence Award, Atlanta Business Hall of Fame Award, Georgia State University Hall of Fame and Horatio Alger Award. Herman received honorary degrees from Morehouse College, Georgia State University and Morris Brown College. |
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