Prov’s First Downtown Living Developer Russell to Lead Downtown Improvement, Palmieri Departs

Prov’s First Downtown Living Developer Russell to Lead Downtown Improvement, Palmieri Departs

Before there was Buff Chace or Joe Paolino building downtown apartment living, there was Bob Russell. On Thursday, Russell was named Interim Executive Director of Providence Downtown Improvement District following the resignation of John Palmieri.

The Board of Directors of the Providence Downtown Improvement District (DID) voted unanimously to appoint Russell as the group’s interim Executive Director following the resignation of Palmieri. 

Palmieri, who worked for Providence Mayors Paolino and the late Vincent “Buddy” Cianci in the 1980s and 1990s, had gone on to top planning jobs in Boston, Hartford and New Jersey.

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Palmieri had been serving as Executive Director since the departure of the late Frank LaTorre last year. 

“When I accepted the Board’s offer to serve as Executive Director last May, I did so with the understanding that the term would be temporary,” Palmieri said in his resignation letter. 

“I have been grateful for the trust you have placed with me and have done my best to execute the policies of the Board over these past, challenging, months," said Palmieri. 

Russell – a Providence native, a graduate of Hope High School and the University of Rhode Island’s Class of 1975 – said he was honored to be given the unanimous support of the Board and looks forward to directing the DID through its next chapter. Russell has been a major booster to URI men's basketball and football.

“I love Providence. I’m a Providence kid born and raised and I want to see the city continue to prosper,” he said. “The Downtown Improvement District is an ambassador for all who work, live and visit the city. It is our mission to keep the city clean and maintain a safe environment, and I will take great pride and care in upholding that responsibility.” 

From 1978 to 2006, Russell was the CEO and proprietor of Rusco Steel Company, a New England subcontracting company that contributed to construction projects including the Memorial Bridge relocation, the Jamestown Bridge, the Providence Place Mall, and the Big Dig in Boston. 

Prior to his appointment by the DID, Russell was the owner and operator of a small business in Providence.  Joseph R. Paolino Jr., Chairman of the DID Board of Directors, said that a search committee would be assembled to identify a permanent Executive Director.