I would like to announce the appointment of Michael Keane, K1MK, as the new Manager of the ARRL Information Technology Department. Michael's professional background including many years as a systems designer, software programmer and technology professional, as well as his specific experience with the ARRL and Amateur Radio in general make him an excellent candidate to lead this critical function for the organization. Michael is not only a talented programmer but is well versed in some of our more specialized applications (e.g. Logbook of the World) and has designed and developed systems for major government contractors and scientific organizations. Michael will assume responsibility for the IT Department on Monday, June 13th. As part of this assignment, we also plan to reorganize the IT Department slightly to include a new position which will report to the IT Manager and be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the ARRL technology infrastructure. This position will allow the IT Manager to focus more of his time on software and systems development, the two most critical functions as we move forward. It also returns the department to an organizational structure that was anticipated initially over two years ago when we combined the former ISD and WSDD functions. Unfortunately, the person who would have had these responsibilities fell ill and eventually had to leave the organization and circumstances necessitated that the available position be used to increase our programming resources. We also currently have one unfilled position in the approved complement for the IT Department, one for external help desk support. Michael and I have discussed this and we plan to re-evaluate the needs of the department in the new organization and possibly use the allocated dollars for additional programming resources. We did lose a talented programmer when Jon Bloom left and we need to replace some programming resources. I can tell you that we will use, where appropriate and we can find the right individual, outside programmers both contract and volunteer to help us meet our objectives for the year. We have already identified a volunteer programmer to help complete the client side and user improvements scheduled for LOTW this year. Jon Bloom, KE3Z, as a volunteer, has offered to work with us to complete this project and I have accepted his offer. The other priorities of the IT Department remain unchanged at this point and we are moving forward on the project list identified in the 2011-2012 Plan. Please join me in welcoming Michael to his new position with the ARRL. If you have any questions, please let me know. 73, Barry J. Shelley, N1VXY Chief Financial Officer ARRL, Inc-The National Association for Amateur Radio(tm) 225 Main St. Newington, CT 06111 www.arrl.org <http://www.arrl.org/> Phone: (860) 594-0212 E-mail: bshelley@arrl.org <mailto:bshelley@arrl.org>