Russell Hightower is a senior government affairs and public policy strategist with more than 20 years of experience advising clients on their legislative, regulatory, and political needs across Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. He is a member of the firm’s lobbying and government relations consulting practice and brings deep experience in complex permitting, regulatory strategy, and public-sector engagement. Clients view him as a trusted advisor on transactions, stakeholder engagement, and long-term strategic planning.

Russell has long-standing relationships with elected officials, agency leadership, and senior staff and works directly with the legislative and executive branches at the state and local levels. His experience includes navigating state environmental permitting agencies and local governments on large-scale infrastructure projects requiring multi-jurisdictional approvals, including successfully permitting major facility expansions as well as leading community, zoning, and government engagement strategies supporting complex development initiatives.

Prior to joining Parker Poe Consulting, Russell led government relations for Waste Management (WM) across Georgia and the Carolinas, directing legislative and regulatory strategy, managing lobbying teams, and advising senior leadership on political risk and public-sector strategy. He also served as the local lead for mergers and acquisitions. Prior to WM, he advocated before South Carolina legislators and executive agencies on behalf of business and professional interests through the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance and South Carolina REALTORS.

Russell holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from Clemson University. He was inducted into Pi Alpha Alpha, the global honor society for public affairs and administration, and was recognized by Waste360 as a “40 Under 40” honoree. He has held leadership roles with the South Carolina Solid Waste Advisory Council (gubernatorial appointee), the Solid Waste Association of North America, and the National Waste & Recycling Association.