User:HondainaPot/Ron J. Maclaren

Ron J. MacLaren, is a retired Rear Admiral who served in the United States Navy from June 1979 to October 2016. He had an extensive military and civilian career, serving as a Navy reserve officer while working in hospital management before being called to active duty and eventually retiring in 2016. MacLaren was the first Korean-American to reach admiralty status.

Early Life and Education
Ron MacLaren was born in Seoul, South Korea. He was raised in Mexico, Peru, and the Panama Canal Zone. In high school, MacLaren enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps at the urging of his mother.

MacLaren attended the University of Southern California, where he got his Bachelor of Arts in Economics. MacLaren then attended Auburn University, where he got his Master of Business Administration.

Reserve Officers' Training Corps
While obtaining his undergraduate degree at the University of Southern California, MacLaren was a part of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps. In June 1979, he received his commission as a Navy Supply Corps officer, starting his military career. He served in this position until June 1983.

United States Navy Reserve
MacLaren was a Navy reserve officer from June 1983 to October 2016.

Healthcare Management Career
From August 1983 to August 1988, MacLaren was the Director of Materials Management at Humana Hospital in Enterprise, Alabama, and from August 1988 to February 1993, MacLaren was the Director of Materials Management at Humana Hospital in Montgomery, Alabama.

From March 1993 to December 1995, MacLaren was the Chief Operating Officer for the East Montgomery Medical Center in Montgomery, Alabama. In January 1996, he was promoted to Chief Executive Officer, where he worked until January 1998..

From May 1998 to January 2000, MacLaren was the Chief Executive Officer for the Select Specialty Hospitals in Houston, Texas before transitioning to be the Chief Executive Officer for the Cleveland Regional Medical Center in Cleveland, Texas in January 2020. MacLaren retired from his position in September 2004..

From February 2006 to March 2010, MacLaren was the Health Director for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head on Martha's Vineyard in Aquinnah, Massachusetts from February 2006 to March 2010.

Other Involvements
From July 2018 to October 2019, MacLaren served as a Board Member of the Caspian Policy Center. From October 2020 onwards, MacLaren has been on its Advisory Board, serving as a Senior Fellow. He has written policy briefs on Central Asia and the area surrounding the Caspian Sea, as well as a 30-year reflection.

Additionally, MacLaren is a member of the National Security Leaders of America, a bipartisan group of retired public service officers with a career background related to the military or national security. Recently, he was a signatory of an endorsement letter for Abigail Spanberger's re-election as the Representative for Virginia's 7th congressional district.

From November 2019 to March 2020, MacLaren was the Executive Director for the Navy Supply Corps Foundation an organization that "provides programs and services to support the Navy Supply Corps Community and promote its heritage and traditions". He wrote several articles in their newsletter, the Oakleaf.

On August 20, 2011, the Asian Heritage Society of San Diego, California presented MacLaren with the first-ever Diversity Pioneer Award " in honor of an illustrious naval career and his efforts to recruit more Asian Americans to flag officer ranks."

Personal Life
Ron MacLaren is married to Terrie MacLaren, and they have two sons, Brian and Brett, who also have served on active duty with the Navy.