Mr. Gary John McPherson has experience in civil and environmental engineering, with a focus on air quality, regulatory compliance, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). He has been with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) since 1998, where he currently serves as the UAS Program Representative and a Professional Engineer I in the Division of Emergency Management. In this position, he supervises more than 35 certified pilots and 80 registered aircraft, ensures compliance with federal and state aviation regulations, and directs UAS operations for emergency response, training, and environmental monitoring.
A trailblazer in incorporating UAS technology into environmental efforts and emergency responses, Gary has played a key role in developing NYSDEC’s UAS program, training over 1,200 operators across state and federal agencies, and promoting the use of aerial data for law enforcement, engineering, and environmental analysis. He also works part-time with the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services as a Senior Training Technician, teaching specialized UAS courses.
Gary earned his B.S. in Civil Engineering from Union College and an A.S. in Mathematics and Science from Hudson Valley Community College. Alongside his engineering credentials, he is a certified Private Pilot and FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot.