𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 “𝐁𝐞𝐧” 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐥: 𝐀 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞

Few individuals have had a greater impact on the Lake Martin region than Benjamin “Ben” Russell. Through visionary leadership, thoughtful stewardship, and a genuine commitment to serving others, Russell helped shape communities, create opportunities, and improve lives throughout Central Alabama.

As Chairman of the Board of Russell Lands, Inc., Russell guided the growth of one of Alabama’s most respected companies while remaining deeply committed to preserving the natural beauty and character of the Lake Martin region. Under his leadership, Russell Lands grew from a small timber and cabin maintenance operation into a premier development and recreation company whose influence can be seen throughout the area today.

According to Steve Forehand, Vice President and General Counsel of Russell Lands, Russell’s success was rooted in a simple but powerful philosophy.

“To really understand Ben’s vision, you have to understand his development philosophy,” Forehand said. “He believed that if you listened to the land, the land would tell you what could be done.”

That approach helped shape many of the destinations and communities that have become synonymous with the Lake Martin lifestyle. More importantly, it reflected Russell’s belief that growth should complement the natural environment rather than compete with it.

“He could visualize how property could develop while still fitting naturally into the landscape,” Forehand said. “He was certainly a man of great vision.”

Russell’s ability to see opportunities extended beyond development. Forehand recalled how Russell recognized the need to expand the Kowaliga Boat Ramp after noticing overcrowded and potentially dangerous conditions during a busy holiday weekend.

“That’s just another example of Ben’s ability to see a problem that needed to be solved and find a way to solve it,” Forehand said.

While his accomplishments in business were significant, those who knew Russell best often point to his character and generosity as his greatest strengths.

Together with his wife, Luanne Russell, he founded Children’s Harbor in 1989, creating a place of hope and support for children facing serious illnesses and their families. Today, the organization continues to serve thousands of families through its Lake Martin campus and Children’s Harbor Family Center at Children’s of Alabama.

For Mack Daugherty, former Chief of Security for Russell Lands and former Elmore County Commissioner for District 2, Children’s Harbor represents one of Russell’s most meaningful contributions.

“Hundreds of thousands of children’s lives and their families have been affected by Children’s Harbor,” Daugherty said. “He had a big heart for children, especially those going through serious illnesses and the families walking through those challenges with them.”

Russell’s commitment to helping others extended far beyond Children’s Harbor. His support of healthcare initiatives, including Children’s of Alabama and Russell Medical, has benefited countless families across the state.

Yet despite his many accomplishments, Russell rarely sought recognition.

“He wanted no notoriety,” Daugherty said. “There were so many things he did that nobody ever knew about, and that’s the way he wanted it.”

Daugherty remembers Russell as a man defined by humility, compassion, and genuine concern for others.

“I never met anyone who had more compassion for others than he did,” Daugherty said. “There was no pretense about him. He was an honorable man.”

For those fortunate enough to know him, Benjamin Russell’s legacy extends far beyond the businesses he built or the projects he championed. His influence can be seen in thriving communities, expanded healthcare opportunities, and organizations that continue to change lives every day.

“There are a lot of people still here who were exposed to his outlook and his influence,” Forehand said. “They take pieces of that with them and continue to use them in the ways they interact with others and view the world.”

Benjamin “Ben” Russell helped shape the future of the Lake Martin region through leadership, generosity, and service. His vision strengthened communities, his philanthropy improved lives, and his example continues to inspire those who are committed to making a difference. His legacy remains an enduring part of the story of Elmore County and the Lake Martin region.​​