William O. Russell, III

William Russell has served as the President & CEO of the Sarasota Housing Authority (SHA) for the past 18 years. Under his leadership, SHA has completed seven redevelopment deals and has two more under construction. SHA is also recognized as an industry leader in efforts to promote early childhood literacy and grade-level reading. His career in affordable housing also includes serving in various capacities with the City of New York and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in Washington, D.C., where he was Deputy Assistant Secretary. William is a Leadership Florida (Class XXXII) and Leadership Sarasota alum and past president of the Florida Association of Housing and Redevelopment.