2024: Col. Brian McCarthy

The Susquehannock High School Alumni Association awarded col. Brian McCarthy, a 1989 graduate of Susquehannock High School, the 2024 Susquehannock High School Distinguished Alumni Award. 

Col. McCarthy is a 24-year veteran of the United States Air Force and currently an executive at Northrop Grumman. During his time at SHS, Brian was active in track & field, cross country, class council, and the yearbook staff. His love for science and academic excellence earned him a place in the National Honor Society. Influential teachers like Ken Alwine, Ron Leese, and Roberta Thoman played a key role in his success.

After high school, Col. McCarthy attended Virginia Tech, where he switched from a major in physics to political science in order to graduate in four years and join the Air Force. He met his future wife, Heidy, there and graduated as an ROTC distinguished graduate in 1993.

Col. McCarthy's Air Force career began as a ground-based radar operator, participating in counter-narcotics operations in South America and wartime missions over Bosnia and Albania. He became a pilot in 1999, flying the F-15E “Strike Eagle” and earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions in Afghanistan post-9/11. He served as an instructor pilot, international affairs specialist, and commander of the Air Force’s largest fighter squadron.

His education continued with a Master of Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle University and a Master of National Security Strategy from the National War College. He also served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, traveling globally as a military liaison for Secretary of State John Kerry.

Col. McCarthy is now the Director of International Business Development at Northrop Grumman, focusing on defense opportunities for US allies. He resides in Maryland with his wife Heidy and their three children and enjoys travel, skiing, cycling, hiking, and audiobooks in his free time.