New ARRL West Gulf Division Director

John Robert Stratton, N5AUS, of Austin, Texas, is the new ARRL West Gulf Division Director. Stratton, the incumbent Vice Director, moved up to the Director’s chair after Director Dr. David Woolweaver, K5RAV, announced his immediate retirement during the ARRL Board of Directors meeting 18-19th January 2019.

New ARRL West Gulf Division Director - John Robert Stratton, N5AUS

An attorney, Stratton served as West Gulf Division Vice Director since 2009, when he was appointed to succeed Woolweaver, who became Director following the resignation of then-Director Coy Day, N5OK.

Woolweaver served as West Gulf Vice Director from 2000 until 2009, and as Director from 2009 until 2019. During his tenure, he served on several committees, including the ARRL Board Executive Committee. He is a member of the ARRL Foundation Board of Directors.

Stratton holds a bachelor of science in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas and is a graduate of the University of Texas Law School. ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, will fill the vacant West Gulf Division Vice Director’s position by appointment.

New RSGB Operating Advisory Service Coordinator

Ian Suart, GM4AUP has been appointed as the RSGB’s first Operating Advisory Service Coordinator.

The Operating Advisory Service, OAS, has been established to help amateurs in various ways, especially those whose enjoyment is being hindered by the poor activities of others.

These include giving practical guidance to individual Members, delivering talks to clubs, and sharing their own OAS experiences with the national OAS team.

Working with him is a growing team of Regional Operating Advisors.

The aim is to have at least one Advisor in every Region, assisting the Region’s volunteer team with OAS’s developing expertise.

Please encourage any suitable candidate in your Region to apply for the Regional Operating Advisor role, by contacting Ian via email to oas@rsgb.org.uk

New IRA Youth Representative

Iceland's national amateur radio society, the IRA, have appointed Elin Sigurðardóttir TF2EQ as their new youth representative

The appointment was made at the IRA board meeting on 16th January 2019.

Elín will, among other things, handle relations with the Chair of the IARU Region 1 Youth Working Group, Lisa Leenders PA2LS.

Elín got her amateur license at university in 2016 and has worked part-time building charging stations for electric cars.

SYLRA interview with Elin Sigurðardóttir TF2EQ - https://www.sylra.is/index.php/yl-of-the-month/october