Local attorney to bring ‘fresh perspective’ to SCC Board of Trustees

Chris Russell, a Chadbourn native, is one of Southeastern Community College’s newest and youngest Board of Trustee members. As an attorney of 11 years born and raised in Columbus County, Russell hopes his sense of humility and service will serve the best interest of the college. 

“I look at problems and situations in a different manner than someone who is not an attorney,” Russell said. “I’m just your average small town, country lawyer, but I hope to have open dialogue with the other board members so we can figure out what’s best for the college.” 

Nominated to the SCC Board of Trustees by N.C. House Rep. Brenden Jones, Russell’s initial reaction was of shock that later turned into excitement. His excitement evolved into gratefulness because he has a chance to help cultivate the next generation of skilled workers in Columbus County and beyond.  

In a full circle direction, Russell wants to help SCC’s investment in the students, so the students will return their investments to Columbus County. As a Trustee, Russell acknowledged the gravity of his decisions that will impact the students and their families, the employees and their families and the community overall.  

“I want to give Dr. English and the students what they need to succeed,” Russell said. “This is what a Trustee should do, and I might get my feelings hurt in the process. At least that’s what I think our job should be – how to equip the college, the students and the employees with the tools for success.” 

Russell graduated from West Columbus High School in 2005, and he obtained his bachelor’s degree in history from Pfeiffer University in 2009. Russell earned his juris doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and was sworn in to the state bar in 2014.  

In hindsight, Russell said he wished he attended SCC right out of high school to save money, but he took the four-year university route on a baseball scholarship. Serving on the Board of Trustees will be his first interaction with SCC, and he hopes his fresh perspective will bring new ideas to the board.  

“Over the years, I have witnessed the immense growth of the college just as an outsider with no direct dealings,” Russell said. “What I really want to do is help this college continue to grow because it is vital to this community. It employs so many people, and I want my contribution to this board to reflect growth.”  

Russell is a partner at Wright, Worley, Pope, Ekster and Moss law firm and works out of the Tabor City office. He is responsible for transactional law such as buying and selling land, estate planning and business organizations in cases of death. He does not handle criminal or domestic cases.  

“Richard Wright and Dennis Worley set an impossible standard for young attorneys in terms of work ethic and service to their community,” Russell said. “Serving on the SCC Board of Trustees will only be a sliver of what they did in comparison, but they instilled that sense of service in me.” 

In his dealings with real estate, Russell said he noticed a shortage in HVAC technicians and people working in technical trades in general. He wants SCC to continue growing its HVAC program in addition to the college’s other technical programs such as welding, automotive, electrical engineering and construction.  

“We’re offering more trade programs here that are going to be more vital to Columbus County in the next several years,” Russell said. “That diversity in skilled labor will be key to economic success in this community.” 

Serving on the Columbus County Community Foundation and as president of the Lewis A. Sykes Foundation, Russell brings years of experience of serving on boards that help people. Serving on the SCC Board of Trustees is another way for him to give back to his community, Russell explained. 

Outside of work, Russell enjoys spending time with his fiancé, Adrian Tharpe. When not with her, you can find Russell outdoors hunting, fishing or golfing.