Christopher Russo
About Christopher Russo
Christopher Russo is the Chief Real Estate & Facilities Officer at the NBA, overseeing arena development and business continuity efforts.
Title
Christopher Russo holds the title of Chief Real Estate & Facilities Officer at the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Current Role at NBA
Christopher Russo is currently serving as the Chief Real Estate & Facilities Officer at the National Basketball Association (NBA). His tenure has been remarkable, having started in 1996, where he is responsible for overseeing all new arena developments, and playing a critical role in the establishment of NBA-style arenas in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai, China. He has also chaired the NBA's business continuity task force focused on safely reopening league offices and guiding teams on reopening protocols.
Education and Expertise
Christopher Russo pursued a degree in Construction Management, achieving a Bachelor of Science (BS) from Utica College of Syracuse University. His educational journey spanned from 1970 to 1990. He also attended St. Dominic HS in Oyster Bay, NY, from 1970 to 1986. These academic experiences have positioned him with a solid foundation in construction and facilities management.
Career Achievements
Throughout his career, Christopher Russo has achieved significant milestones. He directed the league's oversight of new arena development and was instrumental in creating the NBA Arena Standards. He played a substantial role in the creation of NBA-style arenas in multiple Chinese cities. His exceptional service at Turner Construction Company earned him the World Trade Center Award.
Previous Leadership Roles
Before his current role at the NBA, Christopher Russo served in prominent positions, including leading the formation of New York City’s Department of Design and Construction while working in the Mayor’s Office of Construction. He was also an executive member of the league's task force dedicated to the 2019-20 season restart in Orlando.