Russell Otis, long-time Executive Director of Wintergreen Property Owners Association, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, June 13, 2021.

Russell was an ardent supporter of the Wintergreen community, serving as the first Executive Director of WPOA from 1989 until 2016. Many in the community will remember Russell for his sharp wit, his honesty, and his active leadership that brought about the success of both Wintergreen and Nelson County.

A graduate of the University of Virginia, holding both Bachelors and Masters Degrees, Russell was an avid reader, a history buff, and started his working career as an educator. Russell served as the Assistant County Administrator for Albemarle County, Nelson County Administrator, and most recently, Executive Director of WPOA.

Some of his most notable achievements in Albemarle County include protecting Hatton Ferry and the Town of Scottsville. As Nelson County’s administrator, he played a critical role in attracting investment in the soapstone quarry in Schuyler, helped form the Nelson County Service Authority that now serves Wintergreen and oversaw the NCSA’s acquisition of the mountain water system. Russell guided the community through Wintergreen’s growth, navigating the opportunities, and the challenges the growth brought to Nelson.

Russell’s regular interaction with the developers of Wintergreen and the relationships that formed is what brought him to WPOA. As the developers began forming WPOA, they identified Russell as the ideal candidate to run the newly formed Wintergreen Property Owners Association.

In 1989 he took the job as WPOA’s Executive Director and served in this capacity for 28 years, retiring in 2016. In his 28 years at WPOA, he provided a steady hand through economic uncertainty, building booms, and changes in resort ownership. As the community grew, he grew the WPOA organization, adding facilities, services, and hiring a talented staff dedicated to the resort community’s success.

He understood the significance of this place and was instrumental in the formation of the Wintergreen Nature Foundation, Wintergreen Fire & Rescue, and the Wintergreen Police Department. Even after he retired in December of 2016, Russell remained supportive and engaged. His wealth of knowledge was only a phone call away. Much of the Wintergreen community's success can be attributed to his hard work and dedication.

Russell’s personal interests included family, history, travel, fly fishing, hunting, and flying. He was a voracious reader and an avid cook. He and his wife Beverly entertained family and friends often, many WPOA functions were held at their property along the Rockfish River.

Russell is survived by his wife of 49 years, Beverly; two daughters, Elizabeth, and Allison and her husband Taylor. As you might expect, Wintergreen was a family affair with both children having grown up, worked, explored, and played in this great community.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at the riverfront property of his home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and/or Wintergreen Fire & Rescue.

CLICK HERE to see Russell Otis’s obituary.

Jay Roberts
Executive Director, WPOA