Russell Freistat
About Russell Freistat
Russell Freistat is a Principal Environmental Specialist at American Electric Power, where he oversees environmental due diligence and vendor audit programs. He holds a Master's degree in Environmental Science from The Johns Hopkins University and has extensive experience in environmental inspection and compliance.
Work at American Electric Power
Russell Freistat serves as the Principal Environmental Specialist at American Electric Power. In this role, he oversees the environmental due diligence program for property acquisition and sale, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. He also manages the environmental vendor audit program, which assesses the performance of external contractors. Additionally, he provides subject matter expert support for TSCA compliance, focusing on polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other hazardous materials. Freistat has been with American Electric Power since 2018, contributing to various facility demolition and remediation projects.
Education and Expertise
Russell Freistat has a strong educational background in environmental science. He earned a Master of Science in Environmental Science from The Johns Hopkins University, where he studied from 2002 to 2008. Prior to that, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Analysis and Planning from Frostburg State University, completing his studies from 1996 to 2000. His education equips him with the knowledge and skills necessary for his role in environmental management and compliance.
Background
Freistat's career includes significant experience in environmental inspection and management. Before joining American Electric Power, he worked as a Lead Environmental Inspector at KERAMIDA Inc. for ten months in 2017-2018. He also spent 15 years as an Environmental Specialist at McCormick Taylor, Inc. from 2001 to 2016. His diverse work history includes roles in the hospitality industry, where he worked as a bartender at McFaul's IronHorse Tavern and BrewDog.
Professional Experience
Russell Freistat has held various positions that have contributed to his expertise in environmental management. His role as an Environmental Specialist at McCormick Taylor, Inc. spanned 15 years, providing him with extensive experience in environmental assessments and compliance. His brief tenure at KERAMIDA Inc. as a Lead Environmental Inspector further solidified his skills in environmental oversight. This combination of roles has prepared him for his current responsibilities at American Electric Power.