With national experience leading projects involving water, wastewater, reclaimed water, stormwater, electric, and natural gas utilities, Campbell understands cities’ fiscal challenges — along with their options for maximizing financial resources.
His 31 years of industry experience cover the full range of utility finance issues, including:
- Wholesale and retail ratemaking
- Revenue bond financial feasibility reports
- Impact fees
- Capital financing analyses
- Economic feasibility studies
- Strategic and business planning
- Valuation studies for acquisitions and mergers (including condemnation proceedings)
Campbell's role will expand on the work of Freese and Nichols Funding Specialist Mark Evans, who has helped multiple Texas cities secure loans and grants through state and federal sources to fund water infrastructure projects.
“Though cities across the country face declining revenues because of the pandemic, they still need to continue planning for and meeting their water needs,” Freese and Nichols Vice President Richard Weatherly said. “With his skills and insights, Richard can help us provide comprehensive guidance so our clients can develop sound strategies to pay for crucial capital investments to serve their residents.”
Campbell serves on the American Water Works Association’s National Rates and Charges Committee and the Finance, Accounting, and Management Committee. He received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Central Florida and is a U.S. Navy veteran and graduate of the Navy’s Nuclear Power School.
Freese and Nichols has also added Lisa McMichael as a Senior Environmental Scientist and nationally experienced business strategist, to the Environmental/Coastal team to expand the company's environmental capabilities in the Houston and Gulf Coast market.
McMichael, who is based in Houston, has more than 20 years of experience working with clients in the public and private sectors. She has helped cities, counties, and ports, as well as oil and gas, mining and aggregate, and industrial companies with sustainability management, planning, software, and environmental management systems.
“Lisa is a great addition to our team who has worked with a range of local communities, private clients, and state and federal agencies on finding the customized solutions for their environmental challenges,” said Jimmy Gibson, Freese and Nichols’ Environmental Services Practice Leader. “She combines technical knowledge with an understanding of clients’ challenges, and she has strong connections across Houston and the surrounding region.”
McMichael's professional involvement includes working with women’s networks to promote diversity and workplace equality initiatives and to enhance the exposure of minority businesses within the industry.
She has been involved with multiple environmental industry groups and is a member of the Texas Association of Environmental Professionals. She also has served as an Advisory Board Member for the Offshore Energy Society and as a Corporate Liaison for the Greater Houston Partnership and the Houston-Galveston Area Council.
She received a Bachelor of Science in environmental management from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
