Rich McFarland

Richard P. McFarland is Senior Vice President of Government Relations for Parsons Corporation, a global engineering, construction, technical, and management services firm headquartered in Pasadena, California, with more than 15,000 employees and revenues of $3 billion. In this role, Mr. McFarland develops corporate strategic business plans and serves as a liaison to federal entities, including Congress, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the armed services, the intelligence community, and the Departments of Homeland Security and State.

Mr. McFarland’s experience in congressional relations includes positions in both the private sector and the Department of Defense (DoD). Prior to joining Parsons in 2010, he was Director of Congressional Relations at Raytheon, with responsibility for all defense and national space, intelligence, and information operations programs.

During a distinguished 20-year career with the US Air Force (USAF), Mr. McFarland provided oversight and guidance for the development of the national space and intelligence programs. He served as Special Assistant for defense and national space and intelligence programs in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and Chief of the Advanced Technology Division at USAF headquarters. In the latter role, he led the team that provided oversight and budget development of the Air Force’s space control programs. He also served as Space Systems Operations Officer in the Office of the DoD Space Architect and Chief of Military Support and Strategic Plans in the National Reconnaissance Office. Mr. McFarland began his military career as Command Manager for planning, programming, budgeting, and managing the F-15 launched antisatellite system.

Mr. McFarland holds an MPA from Auburn University, an MA in systems management from the University of Southern California, and a BS in Russian political science and history from the Air Force Academy.

Mr. McFarland has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Defense Meritorious Service Award.