is a native of Mccaysville, Georgia. He attended Young Harris College and graduated from West Georgia College with a degree in business administration. He later earned a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary.

Pastor Russell bring a diverse professional background spanning both business and education. He taught Business Administration at Pickens Area Technical College and served as a cashier for Hamilton National Bank in Copperhill. He then pursued a successful 25-year career in the poultry industry, where he held key leadership roles including Director of Accounting, Poultry Plant Manager and Comptroller.

Answering his call to ministry, Pastor Russell became a Methodist pastor and has faithfully served multiple congregations throughout North Georgia. For the past seven years, he has led his home church: McCaysville Methodist Church, in McCaysville Georgia.

Pastor Russell has a deep passion for serving children and families. He is honored to partner with his community and the North Georgia Children's Relief Foundation and he is committed to working alongside them to care for children in crisis across North Georgia.

Becky Harris

Alice Griggs