David Sturdivant Discusses the impact of Russell Lands

President Bruce Rogers and Rotarian Trey Clegg with David Sturdivant

This week, the Rotary Club of Birmingham (RCB) welcomed David Sturdivant, Senior Vice President of Russell Lands. He provided an overview of the Alabama lakefront development company’s history, vision, and economic impact. Sturdivant traced the company’s roots back to 1902 and Benjamin Russell, who acquired and preserved large portions of land around what would become Lake Martin. He emphasized how Russell Lands, now privately held by Ben and Luann Russell, has evolved into a multifaceted operation encompassing real estate, marinas, restaurants, retail, and resort-style communities that honor the area’s natural beauty and heritage.

Sturdivant highlighted the company’s $380 million in annual lakefront sales and ongoing residential expansion, including signature developments like The Ridge, The Heritage, and Willow Point, as well as amenities including Wicker Point Golf Club, SpringHouse Restaurant, and Children’s Harbor, which serves families of children with serious illnesses. He also noted Russell Lands’ philanthropic contributions, including major gifts to Children’s of Alabama and Russell Medical Center.

Bio for David Sturdivant

David Sturdivant grew up in Birmingham, AL and graduated from Auburn University with a degree in accounting in 1988 and started his career with Deloitte and Touche, LLP.  In 1993 David joined the team at Russell Lands in Alexander City, AL as the Corporate Controller.  In 2003, David was promoted to the role of Chief Financial Officer.  In 2014, David was also named as Chief Operating Officer for Russell Lands as the company prepared for an eventual management transition.  On January 1, 2024 David was named President of Russell Lands, Inc. 

Russell Lands, Inc. is a very diverse company and its primary business is waterfront real estate development on Lake Martin, a 40,000 acre lake in central Alabama.  The company owns 21,000 acres of land comprising approximately 250 miles of shoreline on this pristine lake.  In addition to the real estate development the company also owns and operates Russell Do it Center and Building Supply, which is a chain of 9 home improvement stores, and Russell Marine, which has 6 locations.  The company also owns and operates Willow Point Golf and Country Club, Wicker Point Golf Club, Catherine’s Market, Springhouse Restaurant, Kowaliga Restaurant and Fanny Goldmine Restaurant.  Russell Lands also leases approximately 225 cabins and owns and operates a residential construction company (Classic Homes) and a real estate brokerage company (Lake Martin Realty).         

David is a board member of Do it Best Corp. based out of Fort Wayne, Indiana, currently serving as the Vice-Chairman.  Do it Best Corp. is a member-owned cooperative serving the home improvement industry.  In addition to his responsibilities with Russell Lands and Do it Best Corp., David has been very active in his local community for a number of years.  He has served on the Alexander City Board of Education, and the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce.  He is also active in his role on the local Economic Development Board, currently serving as Treasurer.   He is newly appointed to the board of Children’s Harbor and will serve as its Treasurer.  David is also a member of the Rotary Club of Alexander City and has served as Treasurer for many years.