Alan Roberts McFarland Jr., born on October 4, 1942, in Washington, D.C., is a distinguished investment banker and member of a well-established American family. With a career spanning decades in finance, he has contributed significantly to top-tier investment firms and nonprofit organizations. His academic excellence, family heritage, and professional network have shaped a life marked by achievement and service. Understanding McFarland Jr.’s background ranging from his early life and education to his career milestones and legacy provides insight into the character of a man whose influence reaches beyond Wall Street.
Early Life and Education
Family Background
Alan Roberts McFarland Jr., son of Alan Roberts McFarland and Elizabeth (Mathieu) McFarland, grew up in a family with deep roots in the Northeast. His father, an established figure, provided both guidance and opportunity. The family later moved to Bluebell, Pennsylvania, where McFarland Jr. spent much of his early life..
Academic Excellence
McFarland Jr. attended the prestigious William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia, which later honored him as part of its graduating class of 1960…
Yale University and Law School
After high school, he continued his journey at Yale University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1964, and then obtained an LL.B. from Yale Law School in 1967..
Legal Training and Early Career
Following law school, McFarland Jr. clerked for the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia (19671968), an esteemed launchpad for his professional trajectory…
Rise in Investment Banking
Various Financial Institutions
In 1969, McFarland Jr. moved to Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette as a vice president, a significant shift toward his vocation…
Leadership at Lazard Frères
His leadership journey continued as a general partner at Lazard Frères & Company in New York City (19781989), where he was involved in high-stakes financial advisory..
Entrepreneurial Venture McFarland Dewey & Co.
In 1989, McFarland Jr. co-founded McFarland Dewey & Company, a boutique investment banking firm based in New York, where he remains a partner..
Board Service and Civic Engagement
Corporate Governance Roles
McFarland Jr. served on the boards of several corporations, including Placer Dome Inc. (a Vancouver-based gold mining company), Premdor Inc., and Foxboro Company..
Nonprofit and Community Activities
His commitment extended beyond corporate realms. McFarland Jr. served as a trustee of the Children’s Aid Society of New York City since 1978 and was a board director at the World Resources Institute in Washington (19801994)..
Personal Life and Family
Marriages and Children
McFarland Jr. was first married to Ellen Nell Sawyer on August 7, 1966, and they had two sons, Andrew (b. 1968) and Gavin (b. 1971)….
Residency and Lifestyle
The family resided in Southampton, New York, where McFarland Jr. was active in community life, including leadership roles at his local church..
Recognition and Legacy
Professional Accomplishments
McFarland Jr.’s recognition includes being listed in Marquis Who’s Who for notable investment bankers.. His enduring positions at top-tier firms and his advisory contributions underscore his influence in finance.
Lasting Impact
Through board positions and his leadership in nonprofit initiatives, McFarland Jr. impacted social and environmental agendas. His dual roles in business and charity demonstrate a lifelong commitment to both economic and social priorities.
Summary of Career Milestones
- Born in Washington, D.C., in 1942; raised in Pennsylvania and New York
- Graduated from Yale University (1964) and Yale Law School (1967)
- Clerked for Third Circuit Court, then served at Drinker Biddle & Reath
- Held roles at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette and Lehman Brothers
- General Partner at Lazard Frères (19781989)
- Co-founded McFarland Dewey & Co. in 1989
- Served on corporate and nonprofit boards
- Father of five; active in Southampton and New York communities
Alan Roberts McFarland Jr. represents the archetype of a dedicated investment banker and civic-minded leader. From his academic achievements at Yale to his influential roles across major financial institutions, he has navigated the complexities of Wall Street with integrity and foresight. His service on various boards and involvement in charitable causes further illustrate a balanced commitment to professional excellence and social responsibility. Through his legacy in finance and community service, McFarland Jr. exemplifies the impact a single individual can have across business and society alike.
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