Charlotte Russ serves Samford as Executive Director of Operations, providing daily management of the business operations of the Division of Advancement and Marketing. Working closely with the Assistant Vice Presidents of Marketing and Communication and University Advancement, the position oversees a myriad of administrative and operational functions of the division.
Charlotte is an organized, accomplished leader with over twenty years of experience centered around fundraising, relationship building and connecting people’s passions with the impacts of non-profit organizations.
Prior to joining Samford in March 2023, Charlotte worked for United Ability, a 75-year-old nonprofit dedicated to empowering more than 5,500 children and adults with disabilities. In her role as Development and Foundation Lead, she led 75th anniversary planning, represented United Ability in a variety of speaking engagements, and raised $1.1 million in 11 months.
Charlotte has an 11-year professional background from The Altamont School (independent day school, grades 5-12) in Birmingham, as Director of Advancement from 2011-2022 raising $20 million. Prior to her role at The Altamont School, she worked for the Birmingham Museum of Art for nine years as Development Officer for Membership and Individual Giving and as the Special Events Manager.
An active member of the Alabama Association of Fundraising Professionals since 2014, Charlotte enjoys being empowered by a group of like-minded individuals who practice ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research, and advocacy.
A 1997 graduate of Rhodes College (Memphis, TN), Charlotte ran track and cross country and was named MVP and Team Captain. Born and raised in Birmingham, Charlotte and her husband Andy are raising 2 boys. She is a forty-year member of St. Mary’s-on-the-Highlands Episcopal Church where she served on the Capital Campaign Leadership Team that raised $13 million. She also served a 3-year Vestry term from 2020-2023. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham has a special place in Charlotte’s heart. She has been matched with Ashley since 1999.