Freddie Irizarry Santos is a distinguished mechanical engineer with an extensive career spanning over three decades, during which he has made significant contributions in various fields, including occupational safety, environmental engineering, inspection, design, maintenance, and administration. Born on May 28, 1963, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, he has spent most of his life in this vibrant city, where he completed his primary and secondary education at Academia Santa María Reina and Colegio Ponceño, respectively. During his high school years, he was recognized for his leadership skills, serving as Senior Class President in 1981.

Freddie earned his Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, in 1986. Immediately after graduation, he passed the Professional Engineering Examination, earning his license to practice in Puerto Rico. His early career took off in the industrial sector, where he held key positions at companies such as Puerto Rican Cement Co., SK & F Lab Co., and Texaco Industries Inc. At Texaco, he rapidly advanced to the position of Plant Manager at the young age of 27, overseeing operations of a Lube Blending and Plastic Container Manufacturing Facility.

In 1988, Freddie obtained his Boiler & Pressure Vessel Inspector License from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Office. He continued to expand his qualifications by becoming a Design Certifying Engineer and Inspector for hazardous material transport, an Authorized Inspector for Elevators and Related Equipment, and a Certified Welding Inspector by the American Welding Society (AWS). His commitment to lifelong learning is evident in his numerous certifications and participation in continued education courses in specialized fields like boiler and pressure vessel inspection, welding technology, and project management.

In 1994, Freddie founded F. Irizarry & Associates, an engineering and inspection firm based in Ponce. His firm has provided a broad range of services, including engineering design and inspections, regulatory compliance assessments, occupational safety consulting, and project management. Over the years, he has served a diverse clientele, including major industrial and commercial entities such as pharmaceutical companies, power generation facilities, and LPG and LNG distributors in Puerto Rico.

Freddie is not only a seasoned professional but also a dedicated educator. He has taught continued education courses at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico College of Engineers and Land Surveyors (CIAPR), covering topics such as elevator design and inspection, boiler and pressure vessel design, and welding procedures. His expertise and commitment to the profession have been recognized with numerous accolades, including being named Distinguished Engineer by CIAPR in 1994.

Beyond his professional life, Freddie is a devoted family man. He has been married to his wife, Gloria M. Delgado Quintero, for 35 years. Gloria is the owner of a successful accounting firm, Delgado Contadores Inc., in Ponce. Together, they have raised two children, Glorimar and Freddie Jr., who have both pursued their own successful careers. Glorimar is an accomplished architect, and Freddie Jr. is a dedicated medical doctor, continuing the family legacy of excellence and service.

Freddie is also active in his community, having served in leadership roles with the Boy Scouts of America, Caribe District, and as a Fellow of the James E. West Foundation. He has been a member of the Ponce Rotary Club and other professional organizations where he continues to contribute his time and expertise.

A man of diverse interests and talents, Freddie enjoys spending time with his family, participating in community service, and pursuing personal growth through continuous learning and professional development. His career is a testament to his dedication to excellence and his unwavering commitment to serving both his profession and his community.