Bill Russell / Photo by Jason Benavides

Jan. 19 – By Jon Show. Bill Russell sits behind his desk at the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, surrounded by mementos from his decades at the helm: a beach ball commemorating the opening of Ramsey Creek Beach, awards from volunteer organizations such as the Kiwanis Club and Ada Jenkins, and countless handwritten notes.

At the front of his desk is a plaque from the Jaycees, where he served in a leadership role before joining the chamber 30 years ago last month.

“There is no limit to what can be accomplished if it doesn’t matter who gets the credit,” the plaque reads.

Working together

Collaboration has been at the core of Russell’s career as he marks a milestone anniversary this month as president and CEO of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce — three decades of leadership at one of the region’s most influential business organizations.

Russell joined the chamber in January 1996, when it was known as the North Mecklenburg Chamber of Commerce.

Under his leadership, the chamber rebranded to better reflect the region it serves. The change emphasized collaboration among the municipalities surrounding the lake and allowed the organization to expand its membership and influence.

Russell has positioned the chamber as a key partner in regional economic development, extending its reach to help guide local infrastructure and transportation planning, civic engagement and workforce development. The organization hosts forums, legislative briefings and networking events that connect business leaders with elected officials and community stakeholders.

During his tenure, Russell oversaw initiatives such as the Lake Norman Regional Economic Development Corp., aimed at attracting and retaining employers; Visit Lake Norman, which promotes tourism; and Leadership Lake Norman, a community leadership development program.

He also spearheaded the creation of the Lake Norman Chamber Business Expo, which brings together hundreds of businesses and thousands of attendees each year.

While it has been a lot of work, Russell admits he has had some fun along the way.

“I think that’s the magic of anything that you do in your life,” he said. “You’ve got to love what you do, do what you love and deliver more than you promise. And if you can do those three things, you’ll be great at any job.”

Outside looking in

Colleagues describe Russell as strategic, steady and relationship-focused. He has worked with a generation of board members, elected officials and business owners, providing continuity as the region’s population and economy have grown.

Richard Pappas, a former chamber board president and an executive at First National Bank in Cornelius, said Russell’s dedication sets him apart.

“He’s so good because he is so passionate about advocating for our members and working to improve our community,” Pappas said. “He does that better than anyone I’ve ever seen because he loves it. It’s his passion.”

Over the past 30 years, the chamber has evolved from a local networking organization into a central voice in the Lake Norman business community. Russell’s tenure reflects both his personal dedication and the chamber’s growth into a cornerstone of the region’s economy.

What’s next?

When Russell arrived 30 years ago and first visited downtown Cornelius, he was greeted by grazing goats outside the police station.

“I’m thinking, what town did I come to?” he recalled. “It was a little bit different in 1996 than it is in 2026. The town kind of grew up a little bit, but it’s still a great community.”

Cornelius and the greater Lake Norman region have changed dramatically over the past three decades and continue to evolve as the area transitions from what it was to what it will become.

In short, more change is coming, and the 66-year-old Russell has no plans to step away from advocating for the Lake Norman business community to tend to his family farm in South Carolina.

“I never expected to be here for 30 years, but where can you possibly go that would have a better opportunity for business and development than right here?” he said.

“I feel like I’m working in the Garden of Eden.”