Internationally known as an advocate for global education and financial collaboration, George F. Russell, Jr. has been an influential leader in promoting the critical importance of globalization to reduce poverty and disease throughout the world.

Russell built Frank Russell Company from one part-time secretary in 1958 to become one of the world’s leading investment advisory firms. Russell served as chairman from 1958 until the firm was sold to Northwestern Mutual Life in 1999. Today, the company guides 1,100 clients in 35 countries with assets exceeding more than $1.8 trillion, and manages $130 billion in funds.

A native of Tacoma, Washington, Russell pioneered the business of pension fund consulting in the late 1960s. He is a well-known advocate of diversified global investing and, along with Warren Buffett, was named in 1993 as one of the four most influential people in the world of institutional investing, in addition to numerous other awards.

George and Jane (until her passing from a 13-month battle with cancer in May, 2002) led a growing economic development effort in their hometown of Tacoma, and were active supporters of education and the arts. Their civic leadership has resulted in many honors. George and Jane jointly received the prestigious E. Donnell Thomas “Medal of Achievement” from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, recognizing their inspirational leadership and world vision in 1997. They were the couple behind the creation of the internationally recognized Museum of Glass in Tacoma.

Currently, Russell is Co-Chairman of the EastWest Institute, Co-Chairman of The Kendall-Russell Centre for Corporate Competitiveness in Russia, Chairman of The National Bureau of Asian Research, Chairman of Transmutation Technologies, Inc., Chairman of The Russell Family Foundation, among others, including projects to educate Americans on Islam and the critical importance of globalization.