Russ Crosson is Executive Vice President and Chief Mission Officer of Ronald Blue Trust and Executive Vice Chairman of the board of directors for Thrivent Trust Company, the parent company of Ronald Blue Trust. Russ was hired in 1980 as the second employee of Ronald Blue & Co. (the predecessor company to Ronald Blue Trust).
Russ has worked extensively in all areas of financial planning, specializing in comprehensive financial, estate, and philanthropic planning, as well as generational family wealth management and transfer. Russ serves as chief advocate for the heart and soul of the organization and works to ensure the mission of the company is carried out with integrity in every area of the organization with a focus on making sure the company’s mission is passed down and inculcated into future generations. As Executive Vice Chairman for Thrivent Trust Company’s board of directors, Russ works with other board members to provide governance and direction for the company.
Prior to his current position, Russ served as President & CEO of Ronald Blue & Co (2002 – 2017). From 1999 – 2002, Russ served as Executive Director of the National Christian Foundation (NCF).
Russ is the author of several books including Your Life... Well Spent, The Truth About Money Lies, and What Makes a Leader Great. He has also been a featured speaker in many venues including Promise Keepers, Issachar Summit, and America’s Best Hope. He and his wife, Julie, have led seminars around the country on the subjects of money, marriage, and communication.
Russ graduated from Kansas State University with a B.S. in Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Education. He currently serves on the board of directors for Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
Russ and Julie live in Roswell, Georgia and are active in teaching and mentoring young married couples. They have three sons, three daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren.