A graduate of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, J. William "Billy" McFarland, Jr., earned a bachelor of arts in criminal justice while maintaining a consistent presence on the dean’s list. J. William McFarland, Jr., has also secured a certificate in bookkeeping/accounting from Auburn University Montgomery, a certificate in grant proposal writing from Fort Hays State University, a certificate in professional lobbying from the Association of Government Relations Professionals, and a certificate in public policy making from the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics.
Building upon a diverse career that spans the public and private spheres, Billy McFarland oversees a range of investment and economic development initiatives in Alabama. In addition to directing ongoing investment operations as managing member of both Buffex and SmithMack, J. William McFarland, Jr. performs a range of advisement and project management functions as a special advisor to The Austin Group. Outside of his professional pursuits, he is a senior advisor and executive committee member of the Mississippi Delta Caucus and member of the Gerson Lehrman Group Energy and Industrials Council.