SEATTLE, WA, March 18, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Richard G. Runyon is a distinguished biographee of Marquis Who's Who. He was recently spotlighted in New York City's Times Square on a 22-story screen that is passed by an estimated 1.5 million people daily. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are chosen from among a pool of the most prominent professionals and are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Runyon, a retired senior analyst with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has dedicated 38 years to hazardous materials management, risk assessment and environmental health. His career with the FDA spanned from 2000 to 2014, during which time he served as an investigator, supervisory investigator and program analyst within the Risk Management Group. During this time, Mr. Runyon played a pivotal role in regulatory affairs, working directly under the associate director to enhance decision-making processes and direct senior agency activities.

Prior to his tenure at the FDA, Mr. Runyon was a senior scientist in the Environmental Division of Halliburton NUS/Brown & Root Inc., now Scientech Inc., from 1989 to 2000. In this capacity, he provided risk assessment and management services globally, including projects in Mexico, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Slovenia, Saudi Arabia, Trinidad and Nevis. His work focused on evaluating risks from facilities and offering solutions to mitigate potential hazards to employees and surrounding communities.

From 1986 to 1989, Mr. Runyon was the hazardous materials program manager for the Santa Barbara County of Environmental Health in California. In this role, he was responsible for regulating various environmental health aspects such as retail food safety, swimming pool operations, water systems design and construction, disease vector control and hazardous materials management. Additionally, he contributed to academia as an adjunct assistant professor at Chapman University from 1979 to 1989, teaching courses in environmental studies and genetics.

Mr. Runyon's educational background includes a Master of Arts in biology in 1978 and a Bachelor of Arts in biology in 1975, both from Humboldt State University, now Cal Poly Humboldt. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from California State University, Los Angeles, which he earned in 1971. His academic journey was complemented by coursework at Los Angeles Harbor College and California State University, Long Beach. Mr. Runyon is a registered environmental health specialist with teaching credentials in biological science for K-12 and community colleges.

Throughout his career, Mr. Runyon has been recognized by both the FDA and Santa Barbara County for his expertise in water systems evaluation and environmental health. He has also published research on hazardous materials exercises for the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration.

In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. Runyon is actively involved in civic organizations such as Doctors Without Borders and Save the Redwoods League. He provides lectures and field trips on poisonous and medicinal plants to community members. His involvement with the Children's Hospital further exemplifies his dedication to public service.

Born in Wiesbaden to American parents who loved to travel, Mr. Runyon developed a passion for exploration early on. He has traveled extensively throughout Europe and has visited nearly 50 countries worldwide. Despite facing current challenges that limit his ability to travel, he remains committed to sharing his experiences through writing. He is currently working on an autobiography that will be published in two volumes.

Mr. Runyon's personal life is enriched by his family; he is particularly proud of his children, Christopher and Alison. His perseverance has been a driving force through his professional and personal endeavors, a quality he credits as a factor in his success. In this regard, Mr. Runyon encourages others entering the industry to embrace opportunities.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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