Welcome Dave Farr, operations director

Dave Farr spent 21 years in the United States Navy, worked supply chain for a defense contractor on the Gulf Coast and managed robotic welding projects. Dave found his way to St. Paul in 2023. He joins the staff as operations director, responsible for facilities, technology, contracts, and the systems that keep congregational life running.

What drew you to St. Paul? 
“The landscaping is what originally drew me to St. Paul. Once I got inside the walls, it was easy to stay. The atmosphere immediately felt like family. I appreciate that at St. Paul, everyone is welcome at the table. I love that. I have a daugher who is gay, so it was important to me that this church be open to all.”

Before he was a staff member, Dave was already serving in the St. Paul community. He volunteered with the Soil Stewards, helping to beautify the campus, donned a green apron for Lenten meals, and pitched in to help at church events. Serving, he’ll tell you, is just what he does.

What shaped you before you got here? 
“My military career gave me a foundation I still draw from every day. 21 years in the Navy — a decade of that out on the fleet — taught me how to lead, how to adapt, and how to wear a lot of different hats. If you care about what you do and you work hard, that shows.”

After retiring as a chief petty officer in 2007, Dave finished his Bachelor of Business Administration in supply chain management at Western Illinois University, then built a career that took him from a defense contractor in Louisiana to a homebuilder on the Gulf Coast to federal petroleum operations in New Orleans to a project management role at Lincoln Electric Automation in Bettendorf. He earned his project management certification in March 2025. Across every stop, the common thread was the same: bring order to complexity, lead people well, and leave things better than you found them.

How do you think your background fits this role? 
“This is the kind of role I’d always hoped I would land in, where I can showcase all of my skills. This role allows me to put all of those skills to use again. I like to serve. Practicing faith is very important in my life. It’s not just words on paper.”

What’s something people here might not expect to learn about you? 
“I’m a big fan of Star Trek. I love to cook — Boston butt, pulled pork, pizza are some of my specialites. Pizza dough is my challenge right now. I’m still figuring that one out.”

When he’s not in the kitchen, he’s probably on a bike or in his garage workshop.

“I get a lot of energy from riding my bike and going to the gym. We have such wonderful bike trails around here — I’m still learning all of them. Woodworking is my passion. I could spend hours in my garage.”

Dave has three grown adult children and five grandchildren, the youngest of whom arrived last September. He shares his home with two cats, Ned and Gus.

What are you hoping for here? 
“I’m looking forward to learning more on my journey of faith. I just hope to leave St. Paul a better place than it was when I walked into it.”