Areas of Expertise:

Russell has led Urban Green Council since 2007, building and guiding the organization's innovative programs and cementing its place as a national leader in advocacy, education, and research. Under his leadership, Urban Green launched initiatives ranging from GPRO (education for building operators and trades) to research on city carbon trends. He was twice tapped by the City of New York to lead blue ribbon commissions – Building Resiliency Task Force (2013) and Green Codes Task Force (2008-2010) – leading to 60 code revisions or programs in 3 years. A lawyer by training, previously Russell spent 5 years on environmental, criminal justice, and fire protection policy as counsel for the New York City Council and Mayor’s Office, drafting and implementing many environmental laws.