Newsroom

DISNEY EXECUTIVE STEPS UP COMMITMENT TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN NEW ROLE AS CHAIRMAN

9/9/2009

Craig Russell, Chief Design and Project Delivery Executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, Elected to Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of Greater L.A.

Los Angeles, CA – September 9, 2009: Craig Russell has stepped up his already longtime commitment to building a greater Los Angeles by becoming Chairman of Habitat for Humanity’s Board of Directors, thus making him the “ultimate volunteer”. Russell began his journey with the organization over a decade ago volunteering during the 1995 Jimmy Carter Work Project and over the years has gradually assumed more and more responsibility as an advocate and as an invaluable asset to HFH GLA’s Construction Committee. Russell, who will serve at least a one year term leading the affiliates board, is making local families who are in need of safe, affordable and sustainable housing his top priority and will use his extensive background in design and construction to serve them.

“Through my work at Walt Disney Imagineering I have had the pleasure of working on a variety of projects that provide happiness and a lifetime of memories to so many people,” says Russell, “but nothing compares to the pure joy of helping deserving families realize the dream of homeownership.”

Russell’s position at Walt Disney Imagineering entails overseeing the design, engineering, production and installation for the Walt Disney’s resorts, theme parks, hotels, real estate developments and cruise ships all around the world. In addition to his current position, this 25-year veteran of the company also plays an integral role in the company’s employee volunteering program. Over the years, Russell has organized several Habitat for Humanity build days for his company – managing to marry his philanthropic efforts for both organizations.

“We are so fortunate to have Russell as Chairman of our Board in addition to being one of our most committed volunteers,” says Erin Rank, President/CEO. “Russell’s innovative ideas, experience with our affiliate and within the building industry will greatly support our mission and benefit partner families over the next year.”

In addition to Russell, the Habitat for Humanity of Greater L.A.’s Board of Directors includes the following members:

• Vice-Chair: Thomas F. Clarke, PricewaterhouseCoopers
• Secretary: Ron Frank, Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP
• David Calomese, Royal Bank of Canada
• Randall Farwell, KPMG, LLP
• Donald Lancaster, Los Angeles Unified School District
• Edward Lin, Sony Computer Entertainment
• Jennifer Livingston, Union Bank of California
• Jeffrey Moore, Pacific Western Bank
• Cheryl Perkey, Perkey Fine Art
• John Smet, Capital Group Companies
• Masood Sohaili, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips
• Jay Stark, Phoenix Realty Group, LLC
• Kenneth Walker, Ernst & Young, LLP

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF GREATER LOS ANGELES strives to eliminate poverty housing through advocacy, education and partnership with families in need to build simple, decent affordable housing. Since 1990, HFH GLA has built and renovated nearly 500 homes locally and worldwide, transforming the lives of hundreds of individuals. For more information, visit www.habitatla.org

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Contacts:

Jo-An Turman
Sr. Director Communications & Marketing
HFH GLA
T: 310-323-4663 ext. 121
jturman@habitatla.org



Angela Moore
Starfish P.R.
T: 310- 429-8868
angela@starfish-pr.com

View/Download: 09-10-09 craigrussellBOD.pdf