J. William “Billy” McFarland, former assistant to retired University of West Alabama President Richard Holland, has joined the staff of Judson College in Marion.

Judson College President David Potts appointed McFarland for the newly created post of special assistant to the president for business development.

In this role, which is effective July 1, McFarland will lead the college’s sponsored projects and governmental affairs in securing federal, state and private resources for economic and workforce development, community and regional outreach, and other special projects on behalf of the President.

McFarland previously held executive-level roles in both higher education and private business, most recently serving as special assistant to the president and director of both the Center for Business and Economic Services and the James Suttles Entrepreneurship Institute at UWA.

McFarland also holds extensive regional, state and national political and governmental experience, and has recently completed the requirements to obtain the Association of Government Relations Professionals Lobbying Certificate, to be awarded in Washington, DC later this year.

He also served in the first class of interns for former Congressman Jo Bonner in 2003, and currently serves as a gubernatorial appointee to the Southern Rail Commission, a Congressionally chartered Interstate compact dedicated to improving transportation options in the southeast region.

“We look forward to Mr. McFarland joining the administration of Judson College. He brings extensive experience in grant writing and community development to the college. His work will magnify the college’s and community’s initiatives to bring further progress to Perry County and the Black Belt of Alabama,” Potts said.

McFarland said, “It is a high honor to be given the opportunity to build on our work that improves the quality of life for the people of Alabama’s Black Belt Region. It is an equally high honor to join Judson College, an historic and vibrant institution that plays a vital role in Alabama’s higher education community. I am grateful to Dr. Potts and the Judson family for the confidence shown in me by this appointment.”