New Director of Field Ops

AMSAT-NA Vice President-Marketing and User Services Barry Baines, WD4ASW has appointed Gould Smith, WA4SXM as Director-Field Operations for AMSAT-NA effective immeadiately.

"After serving as head of Field Operations since 1995 and given the Board of Director's recent decision to have me serve in a new capacity as VP-Marketing & User Services, it was necessary to find a new team leader for Field Operations who will continue to provide leadership to the Field Ops team with enthusiasm, vision and provide the guidance necessary to encourage our Area Coordinators to represent AMSAT in their local communities" said Baines. Barry continued, "Gould's talents have been well demonstrated by his tireless efforts to encourage new comers to our hobby. He is well respected inside AMSAT as well as by others as an author, presenter, and role model within Field Operations."

Gould Smith, WA4SXM was first licensed in 1976 and currently holds an Advanced Class license. A member of AMSAT since 1988 and and a Life Member, he has served as an Area Coordinator since 1989. He is well known as an author of six AMSAT publications. His first book was published in 1991 ("Decoding Telemetry from the Amateur Satellites") and his most recent publication, "Echo: Operations, Development, and Specification" was released in 2004. An accomplished lecturer, Gould has made a number of presentations about satellites at the Dayton Hamvention, AMSAT Symposium, and ARRL Division Conventions. He has also authored various presentations that have been utilized by Area Coordinators.

Gould will lead an organization of 176 "Area Coordinators" who represent AMSAT in their local communities. These volunteers man AMSAT booths at hamfests, give club presentations, serve as 'Elmers' for newcomers to amateur radio satellites, organize local AMSAT nets and provide other means of supporting the amateur satellite program in their hometowns.

As 'Ambassadors of AMSAT", they serve as the local contact for people needing information on the amateur satellite program.

"I am looking forward to the challenge of keeping the Field Ops team vibrant and vocal in spreading the word about amateur satellite activities and operation, as well as raising funds for EAGLE and other satellite projects", said Gould.

[ANS thanks Barry, WD4ASW for the above information]

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