With a career defined by innovation, operational excellence and strategic leadership, Teri D. Russell has become a respected figure in the fields of real estate and facilities management. As the assistant vice president of real estate and facilities at Fortitude Re in Brentwood, Tennessee, she is responsible for overseeing operations across multiple locations. Her work includes executing global business continuity strategies and developing comprehensive emergency management programs. She manages site builds, office expansions, and space reductions while maintaining a strong focus on budget efficiency and long-term sustainability.
Ms. Russell also leads the development and mentorship of office management teams across regions, playing a central role in guiding company-wide initiatives that promote environmental responsibility and support a carbon-neutral footprint through environmental, social, and governance practices. Among her most distinguished accomplishments is the successful completion of significant office renovations that were delivered both ahead of schedule and under budget, demonstrating her capacity to lead complex projects with precision and foresight.
Ms. Russell’s academic background has laid the groundwork for her continued professional success. She holds an Associate of Science in business administration and management from ICM School of Business, which provided her with the knowledge base to understand and execute operational strategies in a business setting. In addition to her formal education, she pursued specialized certifications at the Georgia Institute of Technology, including credentials in management, supervision, financial oversight, and course facilitation. These academic milestones have strengthened her qualifications and leadership capabilities across a wide range of organizational functions.
Before her role at Fortitude Re, Ms. Russell served as the real estate and asset portfolio manager at Hardee’s, CKE Restaurants Inc., where she contributed to strategic planning and the optimization of property assets. Prior to that, she held the role of corporate office and facilities manager at the CKE Restaurants Inc. Restaurant Support Center. In this capacity, she improved internal processes and elevated facility efficiency. Her earlier experience as international franchise sales and development coordinator at the same organization allowed her to support global franchise expansion and cross-cultural business development.
Ms. Russell’s professional journey also includes pivotal roles outside the restaurant industry. She was the executive administrative assistant to the chief operations officer at The Carlstar Group, where she supported senior leadership and coordinated executive-level activities. Her tenure at Asurion included positions as a talent acquisition recruiting coordinator team lead and later as corporate office, facilities, and project manager. Earlier in her career, she was the owner and operator of Russell Consulting in Silver Spring, Maryland, where she provided consulting services in operations and project management.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ms. Russell maintains active involvement in industry organizations such as the Women’s Foodservice Foundation and the National Association for Professional Women. Her community engagement includes volunteering with Robocup at Georgia Institute of Technology’s College of Computing and contributing to Fortitude Re 4 Good programs.
Motivated by the strength and determination instilled in her by her mother, Ms. Russell values excellence and resilience. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys traveling, exploring the arts, and spending time by the ocean. She also has aspirations to launch a new business venture in the future.