William E. Russell, Founder

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Dr. Russell holds a Ph.D. in agricultural chemistry from Ohio State University and has an extensive 20-year background in landscape pesticide research. Dr. Russell’s expertise includes experience as regional director for a Fortune 100 firm and researching many of the nation’s most prestigious golf courses and resorts, including Augusta National, Opryland U.S.A., Disneyland, PGA National, and Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club.

 

In 1987, Dr. W.E. “Bill” Russell founded Russell Landscape, LLC, a family-owned and managed commercial landscape company. During his time as CEO, Dr. Russell has been part of several Boards of Directors within his community, including the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Georgia Gwinnett College Board of Trustees, Gwinnett Health System Board of Directors, and Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful. He has also served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. Over the years, Bill has been honored 

with many awards, including the GBC 2003 Howard Allen Business of the Year Award, the GMC Distinguished Citizen Award, and the Pioneer Lifetime Achievement Man of the Year Award from Metro Atlanta Landscape and Turf Association.

 

In 2012, Dr. Russell was appointed to the Georgia World Congress Center Authority Board of Governors by Governor Nathan Deal. Dr. Russell also serves as President and CEO of Fundraisers Group Inc., an auction/fundraising company. He has raised over 20 million in charity auctions throughout the Southeast / Midwest as an auctioneer during the past 35 years. 

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Dr. Russell received the 2017 Gwinnett Chamber's Citizen of the Year Award.