Don Russell is a partner of the firm with both a deep transactional background as well as operational experience in portfolio companies across several sectors. His years of experience as a board member, investor, dealmaker, and banker have required him to be a trusted advisor to countless CEOs, board chairs, and senior executives in portfolio companies. Don has an extensive background in successfully preparing organizations and their leaders for investment and growth, and is an expert in creating compelling messages for potential investors. Don has also successfully consulted with senior management in litigation situations.
He has over thirty years of experience in investment banking, private equity, and merchant banking. Don orchestrated over $7 billion dollars in transactions primarily in cable television, media, and telecommunications. He led the cable television and broadcast division of Communications Equity Associates, one of the largest boutique firms serving these sectors, and was president of CEA’s New York subsidiary. He also chaired the investment committee for CEA Capital Partners USA, L.P., a $150 million equity fund since its inception, and serves on the investment committee of Seaport Capital Partners, II, LP, a $262 million equity fund. Don was Vice President of the International Radio and Television Foundation.
He also has experience in aerospace, healthcare, oil and gas, and water industries. Don is currently the Chairman and CEO of Ectero Southwest LLC, a water company providing water to oil and gas companies, as well as municipalities. Don was the lead director of one public company, Aerosonic Corporation, and numerous private companies. He is experienced in leading high-performance teams and brings personal, hands-on business leadership experience to each client engagement.
Don holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Colgate University, and was elected to the Society of International Business Fellows in 2000.
Don resides in Clearwater, FL, and Cullowhee, NC.