McFarland Johnson Names David Rich, PE, Aviation Design Manager

McFarland-Johnson, Inc. (MJ), a 100% employee-owned planning, engineering, technology, environmental, and construction services firm, has announced that David W. Rich, P.E., has joined the firm as Aviation Design Manager. Rich is based in Concord, New Hampshire, and will focus on MJ’s growing airport and aviation consulting practice in the Northeast.

David Rich

As Aviation Design Manager, Rich will focus on maintaining exceptional design and quality standards, supervise quality control and assurance, manage complex development projects and programs, and mentor staff. Rich is an accomplished civil engineer with 27 years of experience in the civil engineering industry, with the majority of that experience in airport design, construction, and program management. His expertise includes federal grant administration, multi-agency coordination, project delivery, and advancing airport infrastructure and safety.

Before joining MJ, Rich held key leadership and project management roles with the Federal Aviation Administration’s New England Region, overseeing a diverse portfolio of major airport improvement initiatives.  In this capacity, he served as the primary liaison for airport sponsors, driving critical infrastructure improvements. Rich’s experience also includes over two decades in the aviation consulting industry, where he led aviation design and inspection teams, spearheaded business development strategies, and successfully delivered complex airfield projects at major airports across the Northeast.

“Dave brings a unique blend of public and private sector expertise, exceptional collaboration skills, and technical proficiency to McFarland Johnson,” said John Mafera, Vice President and Director of Aviation. “His commitment to driving innovation in regional airport development, coupled with his extensive knowledge of airport infrastructure and federal processes, will greatly strengthen the value we deliver to our clients,” Mafera added.

“I am committed to advancing airport infrastructure and enhancing safety,” said Rich. “Joining McFarland Johnson is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the firm’s legacy of technical excellence and client-focused innovation. I look forward to supporting the continued growth of the aviation practice and delivering projects that elevate safety, optimize efficiency, and enrich the traveler experience.”

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.