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 become an admiral in the Navy.

Early life and education Ron J. MacLaren was born in Seoul, South Korea. He was raised in Mexico, Peru, and the Panama Canal Zone.

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.

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.

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.

Personal life Ron and his current wife, Asli MacLaren, have two children together. Asli serves as a Senior Executive in the Federal Government and holds the rank of Commander in the Navy Reserves.

In the 2024 United States presidential election, MacLaren endorsed Kamala Harris.