Russell W. Booker is the CEO of the Spartanburg Academic Movement (SAM) in Spartanburg, SC, and a dedicated leader in education and community service with over 30 years of experience. Formerly the Superintendent of Spartanburg County School District Seven, Dr. Booker now spearheads SAM’s efforts to lead Movement 2030, an ambitious initiative designed to guide thousands of children in Spartanburg County toward upward mobility.

In addition to his work with SAM, he chairs the StriveTogether Board of Directors and serves on several other boards, including Purpose Built Communities, the Mary Black Foundation, and Strategic Spartanburg. He is also a trustee for Wingate University and the Spartanburg Regional Hospital Foundation.
Dr. Booker’s impact has been widely recognized, earning him honors such as the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Humanitarian Award, South Carolina Superintendent of the Year, and the prestigious Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian accolade. He was also named OneSpartanburg Inc.'s 2023 Neville Holcombe Distinguished Citizen.

Holding a B.S. in Education from Wingate University and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of South Carolina, Dr. Booker has also been awarded two honorary doctorates. He remains deeply committed to his hometown of Spartanburg, SC, where his contributions continue to make a lasting difference.