A graduate of Haskell Indian Junior College, where he earned an Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Mechanics, Richard is a skilled leader, with experience coordinating large-scale projects, while upholding the highest safety and environmental industry standards. His background includes a wealth of operational knowledge, from overseeing hazardous waste management to executing the booming and de-booming of tankers at the Valdez Marine Terminal.
Richard’s extensive experience in supervisory roles, particularly in operations and maintenance, spans notable previous tenures with TCC and UIC/Arctic Response Services, where he led teams in Anchorage, Valdez, and as far away as the Chukchi Sea. He has developed a reputation for problem-solving under pressure and managing complex projects that meet rigorous safety and environmental standards. His responsibilities have ranged from administering safety permits to coordinating equipment and crew logistics, all while ensuring operational readiness for both routine tasks and emergency responses.
Speaking to his history with TCC, Richard stated, “I have been with TCC since January of 1991. I was first asked to take on leadership roles in 1993 starting in a new program called Nearshore Spill Response where we helped to establish the Fishing Vessel Training program that TCC still conduct every spring and fall.”
Richard continued, “Taking on the challenge of new equipment and spill response tactics, being able to teach the Prince William Sound Fishing Fleet personnel has been rewarding, as has teaching and mentoring TCC personnel.”
In his new role as Operations Manager for TCC, Richard’s objective is to further support TCC’s craft personnel by giving them the necessary tools for success and a rewarding career in Valdez, a town and region in which his pride shine through. “This is a great community and a great place to live and raise a family. I consider the group at TCC part of that family, from our office staff support group, to our union craft personnel that often work in extremely adverse conditions, I have a deep respect for our employees and what they go through every day to help keep our lands and waterways clean and pristine.”
Richard went on to touch on the TCC mission. “I want to provide our client with the best personnel and support to ensure they and TCC have zero impact on the environment with zero accidents, and I want to further TCC’s commitment to provide opportunities to shareholders and to protecting the birthplace of our culture.”
TCC is part of Chugach Commercial Holdings portfolio of companies. Gwen Welch, CCH’s Vice President of Operations, fully supports Richard and TCC’s pursuit of excellence. “We’re proud of Richard and the dedicated employees at TCC its mission to assist the safe transport oil through Prince William Sound. Their hard work and commitment to safety reflect our shared values, and we’re honored to play a role in this vital endeavor. We’re equally thrilled to have Richard lead our TCC team, and we’re confident that his expertise will significantly enhance TCC’s response and prevention capabilities.”
Learn more about TCC and the career opportunities that TCC has to offer at www.tccalaska.com.
