Russell Pridgen

Russell Pridgen is an experienced instructor and emergency management professional with a background in disaster preparedness and critical infrastructure operations. Since November 2014, Russell has been teaching at the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, focusing on the National Preparedness System and emergency operations for hospitals and healthcare. Prior to this role, Russell worked as a Technical Hazard Planner for the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, assisting counties with their Emergency Operations Plans and planning for Emergency Support Functions. Experience also includes positions as an instructor at GP Strategies Corporation, where Russell delivered training on chemical, biological, and radiation mitigation, and as an elected Sheriff for Van Buren County, overseeing emergency response and policy development. Additional experience as a Deputy Sheriff at the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office included overseeing detainee safety and coordinating training for law enforcement personnel. Russell's education encompasses various programs related to emergency management and welding, reflecting a diverse skill set.