AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW has announced the appointment of Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK as AMSAT’s new Director of Field Operations. In his new capacity, Patrick is responsible for managing AMSAT’s corps of Area Coordinators (AC) who represent AMSAT in their local areas. Area Coordinators serve as the “Ambassadors of AMSAT” which includes such activities as manning an AMSAT booth at hamfests, giving local/regional club presentations on AMSAT and satellite operations, and serving as “Elmers” to those looking for information about operating through satellites. ACs are also known to establish local nets and assist with Field Day satellite activities.
“Patrick is well qualified to lead AMSAT’s field organization having served as an Area Coordinator and representing AMSAT at many hamfests as well as giving club presentations,” notes Barry. “His willingness to give satellite demonstrations at numerous hamfests has given many people their first experience in working the satellites. He understands what is required to help build AMSAT awareness within the local amateur community.“
Organizationally, Patrick will report to AMSAT VP-User Services Gould Smith, WA4SXM. He will also work closely with AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW as Patrick begins the process of reviving the Field Ops organization. At one time, over 100 AMSAT members were listed as Area Coordinators in the US and Canada. However, the passing of Dee Interdonato, NB2F in 2012 has meant that the field organization has not received the attention that it deserves. The loss of the AMSAT website in January 2013 also resulted in the loss of the “Field Operations Support System” (FOSS) which played a critical role in managing the field organization. This capability will hopefully be restored in the near future on AMSAT’s revived website. A key benefit of FOSS is the ability to share presentation materials and other documents for use by Area Coordinators as well as serving as a mechanism for individuals to reach out to Area Coordinators. “I look forward to reviving the Field Organization and re-establishing a line of communication with those who want to represent AMSAT at the local level,” said Patrick. “I will be reaching out to those that have assisted us in the past to ascertain their current level of interest in helping AMSAT as well as encouraging others to join our team.”
[ANS thanks AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW, for the above information]