Byron Russell

As Founding Principal Partner of Byron Russell LLC for a decade and half, producing value from his years of experience in academics, national and international politics, journalism, fundraising, banking, higher education, public relations, philanthropy, social advocacy, and enterprise. With an expansive network in varied sectors, BR LLC has facilitated corporations, foundations, and individuals to connect, hence the brand, ideas. connections. Results.

Byron’s experience and network lends opportunity for success for Byron Russell Venture Partners, an Investment Brokerage raising capital and as a liaison connecting investors with entrepreneurs building innovation to change the world.

At the University of Maryland, Byron majored in Government and Politics, with minors in Journalism and French preparing for the international stage in South Africa, planning an international youth conference there and moved to London to work in the British House of Commons with multiple assignments from David Atkinson, MP with a highlight of assisting in the independence campaign with Namibia’s transitional government. His journalism career began at The Washington Post Style section and later at the Washington Times covering the United States Congress and Executive branch.

Byron’s Utah network began upon moving to the Beehive State in 1992 first with the Utah Symphony to manage the Zoo, Arts, and Parks Campaign while in Corporate Development and building the Deer Valley Music Festival. A transition to Private Banking at Zions Bank and later a a loaned executive to the Salt Lake Chamber developed a financial background. As Vice President for Development at Western Governors University, Byron expanded to a national network, leading the National Advisory Board of the Fortune 100. Back to international work, Byron worked for the University of Canterbury in New Zealand as liaison for North American Campaign. Byron currently serves on many boards and commissions, Redemption Bank (Utah’s first Black-owned bank) Board, President of the Governor’s Mansion Foundation, Chair of the Christian Center of Park City National Advisory Board, Salt Lake Education Foundation Board, Unified Economic Opportunity Commission (Growth and Transportation) Westminster College Emeritus Board. Former appointments and service: President of the Alta Club, Chair of the Utah Multicultural Committee to the COVID-19 Response, Utah Film Center Board, Westminster Board, Utah Symphony and Opera Board and others. Honors include recently receiving the NAACP Presidential Award.

Born in Washington, D.C. Byron considers Utah home. In addition to his academic degree at University of Maryland, College Park in Government and Politics, Journalism and French, Byron treasures his certificate in a culinary program at London’s Prue Leith’s School of Food and Wine.