On October 10, 2024, the Council for Quality Growth will honor the legacy of Herman J. Russell Sr. and the work carried on by his children, Donata Russell Ross, H. Jerome Russell, and Michael Russell Sr. with its 35^th Annual Four Pillar Tribute, presented by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Delta Air Lines, Georgia Power, and Norfolk Southern. 

Over its 35-year history, the prestigious Four Pillar Tribute has recognized outstanding individuals that have demonstrated great leadership while contributing to the high quality of life we have in metro Atlanta and Georgia. It is the first time the Council will honor the living legacy of a family with this special award and tribute. 

Family patriarch Herman J. Russell Sr.’s legacy is a story of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and lasting impact on the Atlanta region, State of Georgia, and beyond. Mr. Russell contributed to many of the nation’s most celebrated skylines, especially Atlanta’s. His imprint on our city is shown through his work on many high-profile projects, including Turner Field, Atlanta City Hall, the Georgia Dome, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Philips Arena. 

Mr. Russell’s greatest legacy is found in the work continued by his three adult children, Donata Russell Ross, H. Jerome Russell, and Michael Russell Sr. In addition to running the namesake H.J. Russell & Company, Concessions International, and Russell New Urban Development, they opened the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs in 2018. Together, Donata, Jerome and Michael are carrying forward their father’s legacy while expanding and leaving their own footprint as Georgia’s leading African American family in construction, real estate, airport concessions, technology, and philanthropy.

As the 10^th anniversary of Herman J. Russell’s passing approaches, the Council for Quality Growth’s Four Pillar Award is a fitting tribute to his mark on Atlanta and his legacy that lives on through his children. Together, the Russell family embodies the Council’s ‘Four Pillars’ of Vision, Integrity, Responsibility, and Quality in all that they do.

The Council for Quality Growth commends the work of the Russell family, both past and present, that has contributed to Atlanta’s success story, making it a better place to live, to work, and to visit. The Council is incredibly proud to continue its annual tradition of recognizing extraordinary leaders in our region and state by adding the Russell family and the legacy of Herman J. Russell to the prestigious list of Four Pillar Award honorees. Sponsorship information and details about this year’s Four Pillar Tribute are available at www.FourPillarTribute.com.

What: Council for Quality Growth’s 35^th Annual Four Pillar Tribute

Who: Honoring the Legacy of Herman J. Russell Sr. and the Russell Family, including Donata Russell Ross, H. Jerome Russell, and Michael Russell Sr.

• Master of Ceremonies

  • T. Dallas Smith, Founder and CEO of T. Dallas Smith & Company

• Tribute Speakers on Quality, Responsibility, Vision, and Integrity

  • Ernest Greer, Co-President, Greenberg Traurig

  • Jay Bailey, President and CEO, Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE)

  • Keith Mason, Founder, KWM Capital Management

  • Zane Major, Mori Russell, and Benjamin Russell, 3^rd Generation Russell Family

• Musical Tributes to H.J. Russell’s Favorite Music

  • CeeLo Green, Five-Time Grammy Award Winner, performing music by Sam Cooke

  • Alexandra Jackson, Daughter of Atlanta’s 54^th Mayor Maynard Jackson, performing music by Billie Holiday

  • Chae Stephen, Multi-Talented Singer & Actor, performing music by Marvin Gaye

  • Lil’ John Roberts & The Senators, Renowned Atlanta Jazz Band, performing Tribute Music

  • Tuskegee University Golden Voices Choir, H.J. Russell’s Alma Mater, performing Opening Tribute

• Other Featured Speakers

  • Sally Riker, 2024 Chair, Council for Quality Growth

  • Michael Paris, President & CEO, Council for Quality Growth 

When: Thursday, October 10, 2024

• 6:00 p.m. – Cocktail reception

• 7:15 p.m. – Dinner and Tribute presentation 

Where: Georgia World Congress Center’s Georgia Ballroom

Attire: Black-tie Optional 

Tickets are required for guests and are available at www.FourPillarTribute.com.