Russell O. Vernon

Russell O. Vernon

Vice President and COO, Barrett Associates

Mr. Vernon is Vice President and Chief Operating Officer overseeing the administration, finance, operations and compliance of Barrett Associates – investment division of Legg Mason. He joined the firm upon his departure from VCE Capital, Inc., an NASD registered broker/dealer where he served as President & Chief Executive Officer. He has held senior operating positions at both Warburg Pincus Asset Management and Chancellor Capital Management in the capacity of Director of Operations. During his tenure at Warburg Pincus, from 1996-2000, he contributed greatly to the firm’s significant increase in client offerings and assets under management. At Chancellor, Mr. Vernon was responsible for all operational aspects of the firm and played a key role in shaping the firm’s direction. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point where he earned a B.S. in engineering. Additionally, Mr. Vernon has an M.S.S. degree from the United States Army War College and an M.B.A. from Columbia University School of Business, where he specialized in finance and management. Mr. Vernon is the managing partner in: Baton Rouge Venture Fund I and II and The Louisiana Venture Fund I.