RICHARD RUSSELL
Summary
Natural gas pipeline controller with extensive experience managing large gathering systems using PIMS/SCADA technology. Proven ability to maintain operational continuity while prioritizing safety and compliance. Strong problem-solving skills and effective communication strategies reduce equipment downtime and improve team performance. Strategic decision-making in high-pressure environments leads to successful operational outcomes.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
NATURAL GAS PIPELINE CONTROLLER
ENTERPRISE PRODUCTS
08.2014 - Current
- Qualified natural gas pipeline controller for Permian Basin and Northeast Texas systems spanning New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana, supporting the movement of more than one billion cubic feet of natural gas per day.
- Monitor and control gas flows across natural gas pipelines, processing plants, and compressor stations using SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and PIMS (Pipeline Integrity Management System).
- Monitored and analyzed gas pressure and volume data to optimize pipeline performance and minimize losses.
- Coordinated with field operations and maintenance teams to resolve gas supply issues and maintain system reliability.
- Coordinated natural gas nomination changes with scheduling, commercial teams to maintain flows and minimize imbalances during pipeline disruptions and compressor/plant outages.
- Managed natural gas pipeline systems during hurricanes, flooding, freezing conditions, pigging operations, and severe weather events, ensuring operational continuity with minimal disruptions.
- Supported pipeline integrity during major pigging operations and scheduled maintenance, tracking risk factors and flagging potential disruptions before they affected throughput.
- Maintained safety-first approach to protect personnel, company assets, pipeline infrastructure, and public during routine and abnormal operating conditions.
- Prepared and submitted Alarm Configuration Change (ACC), and Abnormal Operating Condition (AOC) documentation to support control room compliance, operational accuracy, and pipeline safety.
- Communicate time-sensitive operational updates to Field Operations personnel and management to support coordinated response and informed decision-making.
COMMISSIONED OFFICER
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
01.2002 - 04.2014
- Coordinated Severe Weather (hurricane) Plan, continuity of operations (COOP), and crisis staffing plan, overseeing logistics and staffing for Incident Management Team (IMT).
- Utilized Contingency Planning System (CPS) for After Action Report (AAR) and lessons learned submissions, enhancing operational readiness.
- Led planning processes for pre/post-deployment, ensuring thorough and effective operations.
- Supported deployable Maritime Homeland Security (MHLS) detachments: encompassing 85 personnel, six 25-ft boats, armament, maintenance trailers, and vehicles.
- Managed CG Long Range Aids to Navigation (LORAN) and Differential Global Position System (DGPS) programs.
ENLISTED (ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN)
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
01.1994 - 01.2002
- Managed repairs and preventive maintenance on shipboard electronic equipment, enhancing reliability of long-range radar systems, VHF/HF/UHF radios, GPS, and chart plotter navigation systems.
- Served as Boarding Team Member, Helicopter tie-down crew, Navigation Watch, Radio Watch, Unit Hazardous Waste Coordinator, and Electronic Test Equipment Coordinator, ensuring operational readiness and compliance.
- Supported Long Range Aids to Navigation and Differential Global Positioning System sites, ensuring optimal performance of VHF high sites.
Education
B.S. Liberal Arts - Certificate in Homeland Security
EXCELSIOR COLLEGE
Albany, NYSkills
- PIMS/SCADA systems
- Pipeline operations
- Emergency procedures
- Emergency management
- Problem solving
- Decision making
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Adaptability
- Communication skills
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Completed four-month pipeline controller training with ongoing safety and operational training.
- Qualified on two natural gas gathering systems - Permian and North East Texas/Louisiana area
- Training on drafting and submitting ACC (Alarm Configuration Change)
- Proficiency with Microsoft applications (including, but not limited to, Word, Excel and Outlook)
- Extensive Military Training to include formal and OJT (On the Job Training) training
- Seaport Security/Antiterrorism Course
- Contingency Preparedness Planner Course
- FEMA Continuity of Operations (COOP) Program
- Incident Command System Training
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Qualified on two gathering systems - Permian gathering system moving over 2 bcf and North East Texas gathering system moving over 1.5 bcf. Each system containing multiple plants, compressor stations receipt and delivery points.
- Trained and mentored junior controllers on pipeline systems, industry best practices and operational protocols.
- Hurricane ISAAC, Hurricane GUSTAV and Hurricane IKE Response Operations: Stood 12-hour watches (day and night) working as the Liaison and in the Situation Unit for the U.S. Coast Guard District Eight Incident Management Team (IMT) in New Orleans, LA. Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Response Operations: Stood 12-hour watches (Day and Night) working for the Area Command Situation Unit.
- MEXUS Gulf Oil Spill Exercise: Conducted full scale oil spill exercise with participation from 180 personnel encompassing 10 federal, state and local agencies to include Mexican Navy and Mexican oil company PEMEX. The exercise included the participation of six vessels, CG helicopter, Air Force C-130 and Coast Guard oil spill equipment.
- Hurricane KATRINA Response Operations: Organized and implemented a unit evacuation plan for Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) New Orleans. I worked for the Incident Command Post located in Alexandria, LA monitoring and directing the efforts of Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) personnel covering SAR, armed escorts, port security, force protection and the delivery of essential supplies to include food, water, fuel, and shower/bathroom trailers to hurricane response units in the NOLA AOR.
- Budget Officer: Managed a budget of $1.1 million; approved/tracked 200+ travel orders and 40 funds transfer requests, monitored and maintained spending within constraints and ensured best value for money.
- I am experienced with working 12 hour shifts and understand the need to work scheduled and/or unscheduled overtime.
Timeline
NATURAL GAS PIPELINE CONTROLLER
ENTERPRISE PRODUCTS
08.2014 - Current
COMMISSIONED OFFICER
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
01.2002 - 04.2014
ENLISTED (ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN)
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
01.1994 - 01.2002
B.S. Liberal Arts - Certificate in Homeland Security
EXCELSIOR COLLEGE