Larry Southerland

Larry Southerland is the President/CEO and owner of Magpie Enterprises, Inc. (MEI). Since its beginning in 2005, Larry has been directly involved in development of all operational policies, procedures, strategic planning, and marketing efforts. Moreover, he serves as the principal contact for all customers and oversees performance timetables, quality assurance, partner relations, and the internal administration of the company including personnel, fiscal responsibility, and operational practices.

Concurrently, Larry is the project officer for Phoenix International Holdings, Inc. where he is responsible for all facets of the U.S. Navy Submarine Rescue contractor maintained systems. In addition, he is a key panel member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Submarine Escape and Rescue Working Group (SMERG).

Previously, Larry cultivated a successful career with the U.S. Navy. Larry held increasingly senior positions - during his 32 years in the U.S. Navy - that facilitated the development of his extensive capacities in all facets of material, maintenance, submergence rescue vehicle and engineering management. Between 2005 and 2006, as WARCOM Material and Maintenance Manager, he was accountable for undersea warfare equipment, material repairs, strategic planning for long range maintenance goals, and the reorganization of manning and assets for all WARCOM Atlantic and Pacific maintenance facilities. Prior to this, Larry was the Submergence Rescue Vehicle Manager, responsible for all operational and rescue activities for the organization’s only deep-submersible rescue vehicle. He assured rescue vehicle safety, 24/7 operational ability and task proficiency of a 24-member team. More importantly, Larry was integral in European, Asian, Middle Eastern, South American, and Australian relations to ensure equipment and procedure interoperability.

Larry is internationally recognized and well-respected for his expertise in submarine rescue. He served as NATO and Pacific Rim U.S. Government field representatives and was selected to chair two NATO submarine rescue exercise meetings in Brussels, Belgium. He has spoken at multiple NATO conferences on deep-submersible rescue matters and successfully conducted several international rescue exercises near Turkey, Scotland, and Japan.