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Alexander Russell

Contributing Assistant Professor

Headshot of Alexander Russell

Contact Information

Salem Campus

Address
900 State Street
Salem  Oregon  97301
U.S.A.

Message

Economic crisis always highlights the need for financial awareness. History proves that an understanding of the tools and mechanics of finance sharpens one’s competitive edge.

To ensure subject matter is always topical and relevant, lessons are taught under the context of current market events. Students apply academic theory to an ongoing study of real market conditions by managing a ‘live’ portfolio. Coupling the curriculum with market behavior imparts practical working knowledge and prepares students to enter the job market aggressively. Because the course moves with real-world speed and variability, student engagement and participation is vital to success.

Biography

Alex began his career at Bates Private Capital as a Senior Associate, where he guided a team of analysts in a variety of functions. Working alongside a number of major investment banks, and under the direction of many former bulge bracket investment bankers, Alex gained valuable experience in all aspects of asset management, as well as investment banking. From this position he slowly transitioned into the structured products group, allowing him to utilize and expand on his analytic modeling tool set as well as providing additional management responsibility.

As a result of the acquisition of Bates Private Capital by LECG LLC, Alex was named a Consultant within the company's economic consulting group, specializing in structured products and securities issues. This transition to full time consulting allowed Alex to gain in depth knowledge of a much larger swath of the investment world, far beyond the experiences available to an asset manager. Aside from major investment clients, and many legacy clients from his Bates days, Alex had an opportunity to provide advice to Fortune 500 companies, state and national government agencies, and various international institutions.

When Bates Group LLC re-purchased itself from LECG LLC, Alex's role changed once again. He is currently Senior Manager of the Capital Markets group, responsible for overseeing the firm's research division, which provides coverage of equity, fixed income, and structured product markets. Alex also regularly contributes research pieces on global economics.

Alex teaches what he practices on a daily basis. Students regularly pose the same questions that he answers for his professional clients.

During his studies at the Atkinson Graduate School, Alex founded the Atkinson Finance Society, a chapter of the Financial Management Association.

Education

  • M.B.A., Willamette University
  • B.A., American University

Areas of Instruction

Investment strategy; Corporate Mergers, Acquisitions and Restructurings.

Selected Professional Activities

Certified Fraud Examiner
Member - Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association
Member - International Swaps and Derivatives Association
Past President - Atkinson Finance Society, a chapter of the Financial Management Association

Selected Presentations

Atkinson Alumni Inspired Convserations:

  • "Inflation, Business Cycles and the Economy"
  • "The Credit Crisis: Origins and Aftermath"
  • "Globalization and its Discontents"

"The Mortgage Crisis," at the Willamette University Empowerment in Action Summer Lunch Series

‘How the credit crisis happened,’ to the Salem Chamber of Commerce.

Willamette University

Atkinson Graduate School of Management

Salem Campus

Address
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.
Phone
503-370-6167

Portland Center

Address
200 SW Market Street, Suite 101
Portland Oregon 97201 U.S.A.
Phone
971-717-7260