Russ Burns was raised in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelors in Business Administration. After graduation, he attended the Academy of Military Science and received his Officer Commission in the United States Air Force. Russ’ career with the military continued with Undergraduate Pilot Training in Texas where he received his aeronautical ratings. From there he returned to Nashville as a member of the Tennessee Air National Guard. Russ participated as a C-130 H Aircraft Commander in numerous operations throughout the world including Desert Shield/Storm and the Humanitarian Airlift in Sarajevo. He retired after 20 years of service in 2002.Russ joined Turner Construction in 1984, and has held a number of positions. He currently serves on the Turner Construction Company Operations Management Board as an Executive Vice President. He is the President of Turner Universal Construction Company and sits on the Board of Directors of Turner Universal, The Lathrop Company, Auburndale Company, as well as five other Turner subsidiaries. Russ is also an active member of the Strategic Leadership Team for Turner Construction Company.Russ is actively involved in a number of community organizations. A few of the organizations that he has or is currently on the Board of Directors are The St. Thomas Health Services Fund Board, Middle Tennessee YMCA, Junior Achievement (awarded Bronze Leadership Award), Associated General Contractors (past president) and has served as Chairman of the Robertson Foundation United Way Campaign.