2023 Governor's Conservation Award Winner (Urban) 

2023 Conservation Stewardship Award Winner (Project Manager - Residential)

Rich Rishel has been with the Carl M. Freeman group for nearly 20 years and has been the director of construction and land development for over 18 years. In this role he is the “boots on the ground” for all Freeman construction projects, working hard to build nationally recognized communities while being a good steward of the land. One example is the Bayside community, located in the Inland Bays watershed, on nearly 1,000 acres, the community is four miles from the beach and overlooks the Assawoman Bay. Bayside has received numerous accolades including Community of the Year at the state, regional and national level as a result of Rishel’s efforts on the ground. Since 2003, when golf course construction began, Rishel has worked closely with the Sussex Conservation District, managing site and homebuilding contractors throughout, ensuring that regulations are followed, protecting adjacent tidal wetlands.

As a certified construction reviewer, Rishel educates Freeman staff and contractors on erosion and sediment control and stormwater management regulations. In addition, he has led tours and classes for residents of the community to explain requirements and how they maintain compliance or exceed regulations.

It is without a doubt that no one cares more about doing what is right and ensuring that everyone who steps foot on site maintains his same high standards. Rishel received the 2023 Conservation Stewardship Award from SCD, further solidifying how his actions make him a leader, not only for the Freeman organization, but the entire industry.