An innovative businessmen and administrator with experience
in the federal government, local government, nonprofit and private sectors. He
has also shown outstanding leadership in a variety of different settings.
Throughout his career, he has been able to serve communities by running
economic development programs, creating housing, providing financing in both the
private and public sectors and generally serving communities in need.
Russell is
currently the founding principal of Community Development Concepts, Inc. (CDCI),
a consulting and development firm providing a wide range of services and
economic development, commercial development, risk management analysis, should
heed you planning, organization and human capital development.
There are also provides CRA analysis, faith-based development, grant
acquisition and business development.
Prior to joining CDCI, Russell Simmons served as Senior Vice President for Business and Community Development at Riggs Bank in Washington, DC. In this position, he was responsible for the direction and implementation of the Bank’s CRA, capacity grant, community outreach and business development activities in low and moderate-income areas. He also served at the bank spokesman all matters relating to community development. During his ten-year tenure, he accomplished a number of milestones including:
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Increased the Bank's lending in low and moderate-income areas from $20 million in 1993 to $100 to $200 million per year thereafter. |
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He was chairman of the Community Responsibility Committee that provided by a wide focus on CRA and community development issues. |
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Coordinated an "Outstanding" CRA rating in June 2003. |
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Initiated first Bank sponsored micro loan program in the DC area. |
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Established and chair bank’s CRA Investment Committee. |
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Established division that combined CRA strategic planning and business development. |
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Manage relationship with the Collective Banking Group (CBG), 225 African American Churches with membership exceeding 200,000 people. Includes developing home buyer, business and investment seminars. |
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Initiated $40 million construction loan partnership between Fannie Mae and Riggs for affordable housing projects. |
Before joining Riggs Bank, he was the Community Blown Manager at Citibank in Washington, DC. In this position, he financed more than $100 million of affordable housing and commercial projects and low and moderate-income areas. He also interacted with the community on a regular basis and was the primary liaison with local governments.
Prior to joining Citibank, Russell Simmons had a long career with the
District of Columbia government. His
positions included being, Chief of the Neighborhood Commercial Services
Division in the Office of Business and Economic Development.
This office was responsible for an eating commercial revitalization
in most of the disinvested commercial corridors in the city.
He established and maintained six neighborhood commercial
revitalization offices, originated loans to small businesses, funded local
community development corporations and led outreach efforts to local
business and community groups. He was also Chief of the Community Economic Development
Division in the DC Department of Housing and Community Development where he
provided technical assistance to CDC'S, made loans and grants to CDC's 10
coordinated neighborhood community development efforts.
He also managed the Marketing and Development Division and the
Housing Department.
Before joining the DC Department of Housing and Community Development, he
was the assistant director for the DC Model Cities Program.
Russell Simmons is a native Washingtonian and received a B.A. and an M.A.
degree in Economics from Howard University.
Throughout his career, Russell Simmons has been deeply involved in various
sectors of the community. These
engagements include being Chairman of the District of Columbia Housing
Authority from 2000 to 2005. This
Authority was just coming out of Receivership and is now one of the best
housing authorities in the country. It
is the recipient all the six Hope VI grants that have either been completed
or are under construction.
Russell Simmons has demonstrated leadership and volunteerism over his
career. Listed below are
selected leadership positions that he has undertaken:
President, DC
United Way, President, United Planning Organization, President, H. Street
Community Development Corp., Board of Directors, DC Chamber of Commerce and
Chairman of the Economic Development Committee, President, Metropolitan
Bankers Association, Chairma
Russell is an avid golfer, painter and is devoted to his family.
