FORA.tv Speaker - Russell Unger

Russell Unger was appointed Executive Director in April 2007, following a distinguished career in public service. Prior to joining USGBC New York, Russell worked in the New York City Mayor’s Office of Contract Services as Assistant Director and Special Counsel for Environmental Procurement, where he was responsible for implementing a new, environmentally preferable purchasing program. Previously, Russell served as Special Advisor on Sustainable Development to then-Speaker Miller of the New York City Council and as Legislative Counsel for three City Council committees. During his four years at the City Council, Russell drafted and led negotiations on many environmental laws, including the City’s green building law (Local Law 86) and the environmental purchasing laws he later implemented. Sometimes this work led Russell down unexpected paths, such as drafting NYC’s “Potty Parity” law to increase the number of women’s bathrooms in places of assembly! Before working at the City Council, Russell was as an Associate at the law firm Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pitman. He received his law degree from New York University School of Law, cum laude, and his undergraduate degree from McGill University, first class honors. In 2001, Russell was awarded the Arthur T. Vanderbilt Medal, the highest honor that is bestowed upon an NYU School of Law graduate, in recognition of his contribution to the law school. In the same year, he was awarded the President's Service Award for Leadership from New York University. Russell served on the Board of Directors of the U.S. Green Building Council, New York Chapter, from 2006 until his appointment as Executive Director.