06/02/2026
***Staff Spotlight***
Thirty years ago, Gary McFarland, Housing Coordinator, was looking for a professional change where he felt he could make a difference. He hired on with the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office and has lived here ever since, working in the Plumas County Jail for about 15 years as well.
He first came to PRS through Plumas Transit Systems as that program’s Coordinator, bringing much of his organizational experience in law enforcement and corrections to bear on program operations. In particular, collaborating and consulting with counterparts in other rural transit operations and working non traditional solutions to issues were key factors in helping him to run the program.
When Gary left the Transit program, he continued to work with PRS as a Driver Trainer and resource for Transit. He also facilitated Mental Health First Aid and organizational leadership trainings.
Gary returned to PRS in March 2026 as the Housing Coordinator for PRS’s two newest efforts in that field-coordinating the Plumas Housing Council and supporting the Built for Plumas project. “I think it’s going to make a huge impact on the county,” he says. “For me, to be part of this plan to rebuild is awesome.”
“I’m excited to be part of this active plan to regrow our community after the Dixie Fire.”
When he’s not working, Gary has been a pastor at Christian Life Fellowship for the past 3 years, and he looks forward to being ordained in 2027. He’s also been a powerlifter for the past 15 years. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022 and holds several World Records. He’s preparing for his final powerlifting meet next year.
