Meet John McGarry

For Trades and Construction Coordinator John McGarry, working at Reynolds Community College feels a bit like coming full circle. A Midlothian native with deep roots in the area—and in the college itself—John first walked the halls of Reynolds as a child, when his mother taught here in the 1980s. Today, through his role with the Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA), he’s helping students build rewarding careers in the skilled trades. Whether he’s coordinating instructors, assisting students, or connecting graduates with employers, John thrives on putting the pieces together to create real opportunity. When he’s not organizing the next great class, you’ll find him outdoors—gardening, camping, or hunting for lost treasures with a metal detector and a few close friends.

Where were you born and where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Midlothian, and that is where I'm raising my family.

When did you join Reynolds and what made you want to join Reynolds Community College?
I joined Reynolds/CCWA in 2016. I saw an opportunity to join an organization that was helping people and making a difference. It also felt a bit like a homecoming. My mother worked here as a teaching faculty back in the 80s, so I have memories of running around as a kid in what was then called A building and B building, and the cafe.

What is your role at Reynolds and what do you do on a typical day?
I'm the Trades and Construction coordinator for CCWA. I organize all the puzzle pieces that come together to run a class. I spend the day helping students get organized to participate in classes, helping instructors to offer the best training, and guiding businesses to come hire our students as they complete.

Do you have any talents or hobbies? Or what do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy the outdoors, gardening, camping, fishing, and metal detecting with my buddies. We like to find old shiny stuff that people didn't mean to lose.