Russell Palarea

Dr. Russell Palarea has a diverse and extensive work experience in the field of operational psychology. Russell is the Founder and CEO of Operational Psychology Services (OPS) since 2011, where they provide expert psychological consultation in threat assessment, counterterrorism, and insider threat missions for clients including Fortune 500s, corporate/global security, and law enforcement. Russell utilizes their operational experience in Federal Law Enforcement to help clients understand and manage risks related to workplace violence, terrorism, and corporate espionage.

In addition to their role at OPS, Dr. Palarea has also worked as a Contract Consulting Operational Psychologist for the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service since 2012.

Dr. Palarea has been actively involved with the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals, holding various leadership positions including President from 2017 to 2021, Past-President from 2021 onwards, 2nd Vice President from 2015 to 2017, Chair of the International Relations Committee from 2010 to 2017, and Sergeant-at-Arms from 2013 to 2015.

Prior to their current roles, Dr. Palarea served as an Operational Psychologist at the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) from 2001 to 2011.

Overall, Dr. Russell Palarea's work experience spans over two decades and encompasses providing psychological consultation, leadership roles in professional organizations, and operational psychology in federal law enforcement and security domains.

Russell Palarea, PhD obtained their Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Psychology from UCLA. Subsequently, they pursued their doctoral studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, focusing on Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Forensics. Russell successfully completed their Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree from there.