ALEX RUSSELL
Contributing Assistant Professor
B.A., American University
M.B.A., Willamette University

EML: arussell@willamette.edu

"History shows that an understanding of the tools and mechanics of finance sharpens one’s competitive edge."

Economic crisis always highlights the need for financial awareness.  History proves that an understanding of the tools and mechanics of finance sharpens one’s competitive edge.

To ensure subject matter is always topical and relevant, lessons are taught under the context of current market events.  Students apply academic theory to an ongoing study of real market conditions by managing a ‘live’ portfolio.  Coupling the curriculum with market behavior imparts practical working knowledge and prepares students to enter the job market aggressively.  Because the course moves with real-world speed and variability, student engagement and participation is vital to success. 

Alex began his career at Bates Private Capital as a Senior Associate, where he guided a team of analysts in a variety of functions. Working along side a number of major investment banks, and under the direction of many former bulge bracket investment bankers, Alex created investment strategies and product solutions for both institutional and individual clients. From this position he slowly transitioned into the structured products group, allowing him to utilize and expand on his analytic modeling tool set as well as providing additional management responsibility.

As a result of the acquisition of Bates Private Capital by LECG LLC, Alex was named a Consultant within the company's Economic Consulting Group, specializing in structured products and securities issues. This transition to full time consulting has allowed Alex to gain in depth knowledge of a much larger swath of the investment world, far beyond the experiences available to an asset manager. Aside from major investment clients, and many legacy clients from his Bates days, Alex now has an opportunity to provide advice to Fortune 500 companies, state and national government agencies, and various international institutions. In his current role, Alex has also been afforded an opportunity to approach portfolios and to evaluate investment products after allocation decisions have been made, rather than being the one designing an allocation strategy. This experience has given him a better understanding and appreciation of the importance of accurate performance measurement and adequate risk controls. LECG was recently named the fifth most prestigious economic consulting firm by Vault, and Alex is eager to contribute towards maintaining, and improving upon, that already stellar reputation.

Alex teaches what he practices on a daily basis. Students regularly pose the same questions that he answers for his professional clients.

During his studies at the Atkinson Graduate School, Alex founded the Atkinson Finance Society, a chapter of the Financial Management Association.

Investment strategy; Corporate Mergers, Acquisitions and Restructurings.

Certified Fraud Examiner
Member - Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association
Member - International Swaps and Derivatives Association
Past President - Atkinson Finance Society, a chapter of the Financial Management Association

"The Mortgage Crisis," at the Willamette University Empowerment in Action Summer Lunch Series

"How the Credit Crisis Happened," to the Salem Chamber of Commerce