Joe Russo

Experience

• 

  Reedy Creek Energy Services

  Nov 2008 - Mar 2013

  Energy Systems Coordinator

  The Energy Systems Coordinator (System Operator) is the responsible operating authority for the Reedy Creek Improvement District’s (RCID) interconnected electrical system. The Energy Systems Coordinator (System Operator) has the authority to take or direct timely and appropriate real-time actions without obtaining approval from higher level personnel, up to and including shedding of firm load to prevent or alleviate unstable or unsafe operating conditions. While this position’s primary role is to support the operation and maintenance of the electric utility system, a secondary role is to provide support, both emergency and nonemergency, for all other RCID utilities (i.e., potable water, chilled water, hot water, compressed air, wastewater, gas, etc…) and WDW customers. Show less

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  Walt Disney World, Reedy Creek Energy Services

  Mar 2013 - now

  Power Distribution Service Manager

  I currently serve as a member of the leadership team in the Electric Operations division of Reedy Creek Energy Services and as a front line leader of the Power Distribution Department. I am responsible for the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of unionized craft workers performing property-wide preventive/corrective maintenance tasks and supporting new installs within the electric utility infrastructure, supported by Reedy Creek Energy Services. While my primary role is to support the operation and maintenance of the electric utility system, a secondary role is to provide emergency support for other utilities (i.e., potable water, chilled water, hot water, compressed air, wastewater, gas, etc…) supported within Reedy Creek Energy Services.Current Responsibilities-•Responsible for the application of safe work practices on the job in compliance with the Company’s safety rules.•Responsible for training and developing a safety culture focused on cast engagement in safety improvement efforts.•Lead the operation and maintenance of the electric utility power system to best insure safe, reliable and secure service.•Apply technical expertise of electric utility equipment, ranging from transmission systems to relay protection schemes and metering devices to promote improved workforce knowledge, efficiency and decision making.•Provide daily shift supervision for Cast Members within the Power Distribution electrical trade.•Monitor and support field operations, coordinate job assignments, evaluate work practices and conduct safety reviews/observations.•Supervise, prioritize and schedule resources to effectively utilize and to meet customer/client requirements during normal operation and utility emergencies.•Support Engineering and Project Management in the design and implementation of projects in the field. Show less

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  Walt Disney World- Reedy Creek Energy Services

  Mar 2019 - now

  • Provide leadership to approximately 90 Cast Members including salaried professionals, service managers, and unionized skilled craft workers.• Typically, manage a $16M annual labor and expense budget.• Lead a culture of safety through active and caring engagement with Cast Members to support the vision that "no one gets hurt".• Ensure the safe and reliable operation of the utility electric system and energy plants. Ensure all operations comply with local, state and national regulations.• Accomplish planned and corrective maintenance activities for assigned operational teams.• Lead the use of Maximo (EAM system); record and track the utility assets including prioritization and completion of all preventative, predictive and corrective maintenance activities.• Lead the response to abnormal Energy plant and electric system conditions and outages. Conduct after action reviews and provide summaries of the event and insights.• Partner and work with customers to facilitate the planned and unplanned upgrades to utility systems affecting their operations.• Support WDW Environmental Goals for energy efficiency and emissions reductions. Show less The Energy Control Central Service Manager is responsible for the operations of the electric system (69kV transmission, substations and 12kV distribution), ensuring system reliability, trouble response and management notifications; as well as emergency operations during storm events, customer interaction, inquires across utilities, and performance metrics. The managers secondary role is to coordinate emergency support and dispatch for other utilities (i.e., potable water, chilled water, hot water, compressed air, wastewater, gas, etc…) supported within Reedy Creek Energy Services.Primary ResponsibilitiesDevelop, implement and manage power system operating procedures to ensure distribution asset performance meets customer, regulatory, and corporate reliability and performance standards.Responsible for electric system configuration control including the development of tracking mechanisms to ensure the timely return to service of failed or out-of-configuration equipment.Supervise staff, ensure staff have appropriate skill levels to perform tasks; develop, coach, monitor and manage performance, productivity.Provide technical guidance and support leadership to ensure the safe, reliable distribution of power to customers and outage incidents.Liaison with internal and external customers on technical and operational issues.Foster teamwork and cooperation within Operations department and between Operations, Management, Contractors and support staff.Lead and manage the response to all abnormal conditions. Provide technical leadership to the operators including initial analysis of disturbances and forced outages. Begin initial incident investigations and assist with formal reports.Assist Coordinators with complicated switching procedures and conduct clearance and switching audits.Continuously improve operational processes, systems and/or procedures in regards to scheduling, practices, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Show less

  • Manager - Electric and Plant Operations

    Mar 2022 - now

  • Energy Control Center Services Manager

    Mar 2019 - Mar 2022