John Russell

John Russell is President of W.E. O’Neil’s Chicago region and has been with the company throughout his entire career, beginning as a Project Engineer and progressing through the ranks over the last 40 years. He assumed leadership of the Chicago region in 2018 and has worked to deliver on W.E. O’Neil’s mission of bringing thoughtful leadership to the building experience through his collaborative personality. His strong management skills and operations background make him an excellent leader and a trusted business partner in Chicago’s real estate development, design, and construction industry.

John is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in the construction industry and is active in various community workforce development initiatives on the south and west sides of Chicago. He is also a founding member of HIRE 360, Chicago’s leading workforce development organization.

In addition to his support of diversity and inclusion in the construction industry, John is an active member and former Chairman of the Chicago Builders’ Association, and is involved with the American Institute of Architects, the Lean Construction Institute, Chicago Architecture Foundation, as well as several organizations near W.E. O’Neil’s Chicago office, including the West Central Association Chamber of Commerce and the West Loop Community Organization.