Judge Russell N. Feaster, Sr.: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Russell N. Feaster, Sr., is a magistrate for the Fairfield County Magistrate Court in South Carolina. He was appointed to the bench by Governor Henry McMaster in 2018, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of the Hon. Russell Price.

The magistrate court presides over landlord/tenant hearings, summons and complaint cases (to claim disputed funds), claim and delivery cases (to reclaim property), and public sales of abandoned vehicles. Its magistrates also hear criminal and traffic cases, issue warrants and set bonds, and hold preliminary hearings and transfer cases for the county.

Prior to his appointment, Feaster was the captain of South Carolina field operations for Savant Learning Systems, Inc. Before that, he spent time as a recruiter for Columbia College (2015 to 2017), a regional emergency manager for the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (2010 to 2015), and an inspector for the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (1993 to 2009).

Feaster earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Voorhees College in 1981.

His memberships have included the Feaster Foundation, a non-profit organization he founded to uplift, inspire, and encourage youth.

Born and raised in Blair, South Carolina, Feaster is a veteran of the South Carolina Army National Guard. He and his wife, the Rev. Yvonne B. Feaster, have four children. The family attends St. John AME Church, where Yvonne is the pastor.