1792 Exchange Announces Inaugural Guardian Award Recipient: Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ
SPRINGBORO, OH — Oklahoma Treasurer Todd Russ has been named the recipient of the inaugural 1792 Exchange Guardian Award.
This new award is presented to a statesman who demonstrates courageous leadership in challenging corporate politicization and upholding fiduciary duty over activism. Treasurer Russ embodies that mission, treating the people’s money like the people’s money and not as a vehicle to advance ideological agendas.
Treasurer Russ is being honored for his strong, principled oversight of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), a $2 billion fund, where he has taken meaningful action to ensure corporations remain focused on business performance—not divisive political or social agendas. Under his leadership, TSET has engaged companies directly, urging them to exit ideological activism and prioritize the long-term financial interests of beneficiaries.
Additionally, Treasurer Russ played a key role in Oklahoma’s decision to partner with Innovest, a General Investment Consultant that emphasizes business fundamentals and fiduciary responsibility over ESG- or DEI-driven activism.
Treasurer Russ’s work sets a national standard for how state leaders can protect taxpayers, strengthen financial stewardship, and defend freedom in the marketplace.
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1792 Exchange is a 501(c)(3), educational, non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve freedom by steering public companies back to neutral on ideological issues. We create Spotlight Bias Reports, policies, and resources that expose coercion and corporate bias. We protect First Amendment freedoms and ensure all viewpoints have a seat at the table. We help corporate board members and executives maximize shareholder value, respect stakeholders, return to cultural neutrality, and serve customers with excellence and integrity. We also educate Congress, other leaders, and the American people about the dangers of stakeholder capitalism to safeguard Free Exercise, Free Speech, and Free Enterprise.
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