Russ W. Russell (he/him)

Founder, Chief Development Strategist

Bringing a lifetime of fundraising expertise and skills around the world, Russ has a passion for making a difference in the lives of others. Since beginning his fundraising career in 1982, he has helped build organizational capacity with holistic, integrative strategies for fundraising and major gift development that have catapulted nonprofit organizations to new heights. In 2003, Russ came to Detroit to lead The Salvation Army’s fundraising efforts as the Executive Director of Development. For 20 years, Russ has made an important impact in the lives of the people of Southeast Michigan.

Russ left his role as Chief Development Officer of Lighthouse Michigan in December 2022 to partner with communications expert Jennifer Russell and create Russell Communications Group. Russ now can focus on the many passions he has championed, including music education for children, childhood homelessness, and in-kind resources for families struggling with poverty and emergencies. Russ also will work with cities and townships to create inclusionary municipalities, developing energy efficiency and elevating assets to drive visitors and patrons to entertainment venues and restaurants, work on community-building, and provide new jobs for its residents to share in each city’s renaissance.

Russ currently resides in Pontiac, Michigan with his partner of 28 years, Khonsavane Maharatboutdy.

He can be reached at (313) 212-2714 or by email russ@russellcommunicationsgroup.com.

Prior to joining Russell Communications Group, Russ has led expansion initiatives with prominent organizations in Metro Detroit including the following:

  •  South Oakland Shelter, now a part of Lighthouse Michigan. When Russ joined South Oakland Shelter in 2018, he knew there was a likelihood that they would merge with Lighthouse of Oakland County. That merger occurred the next year. Russ was instrumental in bringing the two organizations together to better serve the growing needs of Oakland County Michigan’s marginalized communities and to better serve the entire county. In 2020, Lighthouse MI became the county leader to serve those in need during the initial phases of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Russ’s experience and leadership in crisis fundraising and service compelled him to join forces with Oakland University and the Pontiac Community Foundation. The newly merged organization raised nearly $5 million, saved thousands of families from foreclosures, increased its homeless shelter capacity by 400%, increased food support through its volunteer distribution program from 225 people served weekly to over 5,000 people getting the food they needed for the week.
  • Detroit Police Athletic League. Leading its $20 million fundraising effort to rebuild the Old Tiger Stadium site into PAL headquarters with a Youth Leadership & Conference Center and a beautiful stadium for children.
  • Forgotten Harvest. As a member of Feeding America, Forgotten Harvest became the World’s largest Food Rescue Relief organization during the Great Recession of 2008, adding over 90,000 new donors in less than three years. Under Russ’ leadership, he created new brand awareness by elevating the organization’s position in the community with an integrated marketing strategy that included media, cause-related marketing, earned media, direct mail, major gift and foundation development. The operating budget expanded from $3 million annually to nearly $12 million in three short years.
  • The Salvation Army, Eastern Michigan Division. As Executive Director of Development, Russ and his team set national records in disaster fundraising with $8 million collected in 2005-2006 and $2.7 million generated with the nation’s largest one day radio-thon in 2007 with WOMC FM radio.

Prior to coming to Detroit in 2003, Russ assumed the role of Vice President of North American Strategic Operations for Food for the Poor and increased its fundraising by 365%.  There he helped unite faith-based organizations of the United States with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in third-world countries. He also launched education and fundraising initiatives that allowed them to better serve its mission. He created the 2000 HOMES IN 2000 fundraising initiative with the National Religious Broadcasters of America, netting over $4 million for new homes throughout the Caribbean. Additionally, he was the catalyst/founder in creating Cross International in 2002, which realized $3 million its first year, and now boasts a $200 million annual budget.

Russ’ global experience has afforded him the opportunity to become involved personally in international relief efforts in Africa, Thailand, Haiti, Jamaica, Nicaragua, and 15 other countries. 

In 1982 Russ received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration and Education at MidAmerica Nazarene University. The Association of Fundraising Professionals awarded him the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) in 1989. Russ has served and volunteered for several organizations locally, nationally, and internationally including Sweet Dreemz, Ruth Ellis Center, Metro Detroit Youth Day, The Prize Coalition, Cross International, Templer Foundation, Chandler Park Conservancy, Crescendo Detroit, Pontiac Farmers Market, and Healthshare Global.