From shaping Atlanta’s skyline to helping to develop its next generation of business leaders, Michael Russell is continuing a legacy at H.J. Russell & Co. of building up the community, not just its landmarks.

That’s why ENR Southeast is naming Russell its 2022 Legacy Award winner, a distinction given to industry professionals who have established a legacy of service in the AEC industry, among their colleagues and in their communities. 

Russell succeeded his father as CEO in 2003, and has been at the helm as it continues to add headline-worthy projects to its portfolio like Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

Just as noteworthy is the company's work with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, a business incubator that helps connect Black entrepreneurs with banks and investors. 

Russell CARES, HJ Russell's social responsibility arm, casts a wider net in the community, including its Russell Rocks the Block events that support everything from free health screenings to subsidized housing, voter registration and job readiness programs. 

Michael Russell's reach is wider, too, serving his second term on the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Board of Directors. He's a member of the Atlanta Committee for Progress and was named in 2021 to Atlanta Magazine's Atlanta 500. 

Find out much more about Russell and his legacy in our June 27 print edition.