EVOSS was founded by Shelton Russell in January 2013 with the vision of transforming small and diverse businesses from start up enterprises to thriving, sustainable firms for greater participation in the national and global business landscape.
The mission of Evolution Supportive Services is to develop small and diverse businesses through information, education, and training, empowering them to thrive in today’s business environment.
Evolution Supportive Services is excited to introduce American DBE Magazine. American DBE is a publication providing information, education, innovations, and best practices to diverse businesses and stakeholders in diverse business development programs. .
You can subscribe to the online edition of American DBE Magazine or place an order to have a printed copy of the quarterly publication delivered to your home or office. American DBE is interested in hearing feedback about the magazine, so take time out to give feedback and to connect on the American DBE Facebook Page, Twitter, or join our LinkedIn Group.
Shelton Russell is an experienced industry professional with over fifteen years engaged in the development and utilization of small, minority and women owned businesses. Russell has led the development of numerous innovative programs that have proven effective in increasing opportunities and growing the capacity of diverse enterprises.
Russell successfully administered a full complement of developmental programs for DBE firms (Disadvantaged Businesses Enterprises) as director of the DBE Supportive Services program for the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Key initiatives developed during his tenure were the Project Legacy capacity development program and the Executive Management Program for Design and Construction. The executive education course is a one-week program held annually at the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. Other key efforts implemented by Russell are a DBE microloan program and the creation of an annual training curriculum for DBE firms.
Accomplishments:
Some major accomplishments for DBEs during Russell’s tenure were the creation of several DBE prime contractors, North Carolina’s first DBE-owned asphalt plant, the emergence of several DBE joint ventures and partnerships, and helping NCDOT to achieve its overall goal of over 12% for two consecutive years. DBEs performing work for NCDOT in FY 2012 earned over $200 million in contracts.
Prior to his tenure at NCDOT, Russell served as the DBE Liaison Officer at the Columbus Regional Airport Authority in Columbus, Ohio. Russell managed the DBE Program for the Port Columbus International Airport, Rickenbacker International Airport, and Bolton Field. Included in his duties were the development and approval of the overall DBE goal, DBE Certification, contract compliance, and completing annual DBE utilization reports. Russell also served on the committee to establish the Unified Certification Program in Ohio.
Russell began his career in the diverse business industry as an Equal Business Opportunity Specialist at the City of Columbus. As the department’s outreach coordinator, Russell initiated several successful programs to increase the departments outreach and development efforts including the City’s first “Procurement College” for M/WBE firms, an annual tradeshow called the “M/WBE Expo”, and publishing the departments first newsletter called “Access”.
During his career Russell’s leadership has led to several awards for service to the diverse business community including awards from the Federal Highway Administration, Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council, NC Minority Enterprise Development Week, NC M/WBE Coordinators Network, and the United Minority Contractors of North Carolina.
Russell earned a Master of Business Administration degree in finance from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, and a Bachelor of Science in recreation management from Ohio University.
Visit Shelton Russell for more information.
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