Russ Williams, CFA  

Russ Williams is a partner at West Elk Partners, a values-based, people-centered independent sponsor focused on acquiring and scaling specialty manufacturing businesses across the U.S. He co-leads the firm’s deal sourcing, transaction execution, and post-close value-creation efforts—working closely with founders and management teams to build durable operational systems, strengthen leadership benches, and accelerate long-term growth. Guided by West Elk’s ethos of stewardship, Russ approaches every investment as a commitment to honoring a seller’s legacy, people, and purpose. 

Before joining West Elk, Russ built deep experience as a CFO consultant specializing in business valuation, complex securities, and strategic finance. He has advised companies ranging from emerging-growth ventures to established middle-market operators, helping leadership teams navigate capital raises, accounting complexity, and high-stakes strategic decisions.  

Outside the deal world, Russ is actively engaged in the Denver community. He is a partner with Social Venture Partners, where he advises local nonprofits on strategy, operations, and board development, and he serves as chair of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Alliance of M&A Advisors (AM&AA), helping strengthen Colorado’s dealmaking ecosystem. 

A believer in showing up fully—professionally and personally—Russ spends his time outside the office with his family and exploring Colorado’s outdoors, fly fishing for trout, mountain biking, and chasing winter powder in the backcountry.