Russell Lahodny joined CICE as Southeast Regional Director in 2026, where he works across Georgia, Virginia, and the Carolinas to engage chambers of commerce and economic development partners on the role of clean energy in supporting long-term economic growth.

Russell brings more than 20 years of experience in the chamber of commerce and association space, where his work has been grounded in a simple belief: strong communities are built through strong businesses. Over the course of his career, he has led organizations, built coalitions, and worked alongside CEOs, elected officials, and community leaders to navigate growth, address complex challenges, and create opportunities that benefit both business and the broader public—including leading a high-growth chamber recognized nationally for its performance and community impact.

His work has increasingly focused on the intersection of innovation, energy, and economic competitiveness, helping business communities better understand and engage in conversations that shape their future.

He is a graduate of the Institute for Organization Management (IOM) and a Georgia Certified Chamber Executive (GCCE), and has shared his expertise by teaching communications courses for the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.).

Russell earned his degree in Communications with an emphasis in photojournalism from California State University, Fullerton. Russell enjoys golf, hockey, and snowboarding. He and his wife are raising four children and value time together as a family.