TED Community » Russell Stall

About Me

Russell is a boomerang, one of those people who grew up in Greenville, left, and didn't come back after 16 years because he didn't think Greenville was cool or progressive enough. However, Greenville changed and became a place where Russell wanted his family to grow.

Russell is Executive Director of Greenville Forward, the organization he created in 2006. Greenville Forward is responsible for making sure that the bold and aggressive dreams of Vision 2025 are accomplished.

Russell is an active public speaker and motivator, telling the story of Greenville's transformation from the "Textile Capital of the World" into a diversified economic through collaborative relationships, community engagement, and creative partnerships. In the last few years, Russell has told this story to over 400 groups and 25,000 people.

Prior to founding Greenville Forward, Russell owned ResearchWorks, a strategic marketing research firm that focused on community development and customer satisfaction research. He conducted patient satisfaction measurement for over 50 hospitals and strategic marketing research for over 100 clients. He has also worked for as a management consultant with Mercer Management Consulting, Coca-Cola USA, and as the Southeast Regional Account Manager with Ralph Lauren Home Furnishings.

Russell has an MBA from Emory University's Goizueta School, and a BA in psychology from Washington and Lee University.

Russell has been extremely active in serving Greenville over the years through his board membership with the Bon Secours St. Francis Foundation, Cancer Society of Greenville County, Project Host Soup Kitchen, Greenville University Center, Graduate Greenville, Greenville Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Greenville Zoo, Metropolitan Arts Council, and Junior League Advisory Council. He has been Chairman of Leadership Greenville for six years, and have been named as one of Greenville's Most Influential People by Greenville Business Magazine three times.

His wife Susan is an active community leader in her own right as Executive Director of the NEXUS Center, a spiritual transformation organization. Their sons Hampton and Harrison attend Davidson College and the IB program at Southside High School, respectively.