H. J. Russell & Company is attending and sponsoring the AAAE Conference & Exposition.
We partner with aviation clients to deliver program and construction management services that reduce risk, improve coordination, and drive successful outcomes across complex airport environments.
Meet with our team to discuss upcoming opportunities, active programs, and how we can support your next project.
H. J. Russell & Company has decades of experience delivering complex aviation projects that enhance passenger experience and airport infrastructure. From terminal renovations to airside improvements and program management, we know how to work efficiently in secure, active environments. As a trusted partner at major airports like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, we consistently meet tight schedules, uphold safety, and exceed expectations.
Terminal Renovations & Upgrades: Experience modernizing terminals to enhance passenger flow and comply with updated safety and accessibility standards.
Modular Construction
: Delivered efficient and high-quality modular solutions for airport facilities, enabling faster deployment with minimal disruption to operations.Concessions Build-Outs: Completed multiple retail and restaurant tenant improvements within airports, balancing aesthetics, code compliance, and tight scheduling.
Infrastructure & Airside Support: Involved in utility upgrades, airside improvements, and support facilities tied to overall airport growth and FAA standards.
Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) and Program Management: Provided leadership and oversight on large-scale capital improvement programs.
H.J. Russell & Company, the nation’s largest African American owned construction and program management firm, has been a pioneer in the aviation industry for over 70 years. With unparalleled expertise in program management (PM) and construction management (CM) services, we excel in delivering complex programs that meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency.
We are proud of our impactful work at major airports across the country, including:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Vice President - Transportation & Infrastructure
General Manager, TX
General Manager, Boston
Curtis Wilson is a nationally recognized leader in transportation and infrastructure with over 34 years of experience delivering multi-billion-dollar capital programs across the aviation, water, transit, and municipal sectors. As Vice President at H.J. Russell & Company, Curtis has directed more than $20 billion in public and private infrastructure investments, including transformative programs such as ATLNext ($20B), the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Capital Program ($5B), the City of Atlanta Clean Water Initiative ($4.2B), the Los Angeles World Airports Capital Program ($15B), and More MARTA Atlanta ($6B).
Curtis brings deep expertise in standing up and operating high-performing Project Management Offices (PMOs), program governance frameworks, and fully integrated project controls. His technical command spans CPM scheduling, earned value management, risk analysis, and enterprise program management information systems (PMIS).
A certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Curtis is also a dedicated mentor and team builder, known for cultivating high-performance teams that thrive in complex, fast-paced environments. He is a longtime member of the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE), and remains committed to driving innovation in capital project delivery nationwide.
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science, Industrial Technology, Construction Management, Sam Houston State University
Damian Lee is a seasoned construction executive with 17 years of experience leading complex, large-scale projects across the healthcare, aviation, and municipal sectors. As a Project Executive at H. J. Russell & Company, Damian provides overall management, strategic direction, and financial oversight across multiple major construction projects, ensuring each one meets design, budget, and schedule expectations.
Known for his decisive leadership and collaborative approach, Damian has delivered more than $2 billion in construction projects, including landmark facilities such as the Parkland Hospital Moody Outpatient Center, the Dallas County Jackson Street Parking Garage, and the modular Terminal C expansion at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport—the first of its kind in a U.S. airport. His technical expertise and ability to build strong client and team relationships have made him a trusted leader on some of the region’s most complex healthcare and infrastructure projects.
Throughout his career, Damian has championed innovation in construction delivery while mentoring future leaders and promoting operational excellence at every level. He remains focused on creating projects that not only meet client goals but also serve the broader community with long-term impact.
EDUCATION: Master of Science, Construction Management, Wentworth Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science, Construction Management, Wentworth Institute of Technology
Derrick Chery is a results-driven construction executive with more than 18 years of experience successfully delivering high-profile, cost-effective projects across a range of sectors. As The General Manager at H. J. Russell & Company, Derrick specializes in building and managing collaborative teams that drive projects from concept through completion while exceeding client expectations.
Throughout his career, Derrick has led major developments totaling over $1 billion, including complex mixed-use, multifamily, academic, and life sciences projects across the Northeast. His approach emphasizes strategic planning, operational excellence, and fostering strong relationships with clients, trade partners, and community stakeholders. Derrick also serves as a change catalyst, leveraging his extensive network to champion structural change within organizations and create new opportunities for underrepresented groups in the construction industry.
Derrick’s leadership philosophy is grounded in mentorship, innovation, and a commitment to delivering lasting impact. His passion for building stronger communities is reflected not only in the projects he delivers but also in the teams he empowers along the way.
