I am running for the position of Northern Florida Section Manager.  I look forward to serving both the Amateur Operators in the section as well as the agencies that we support.

The future of amateur radio is bright. Exciting changes and challenges continue for us to enjoy the hobby and contribute to society. This is evident in the growth of our Amateur Radio Emergency Service organizations here in Clay County, doubling membership and attendance in meetings and nets, responding during hurricanes Hermine, Matthew, and Irma, providing communication support for the county emergency operations center and each shelter. It is my privilege to serve as the liaison to the emergency operations center, coordinating deployments during all three hurricanes. My role as section public information officer has allowed me to promote amateur radio through various television and print public interest stories.

As the North Florida Section Manager, I will scale-up Clay county’s’ success to the section through a three-pronged philosophy, embracing the challenges and changes facing amateur radio and its role in local communities…

First, by building supportive relationships between ARRL associated organizations, between those organizations and their civic leaders, and between individual amateur radio operators.

Second, through proven education programs utilized in Clay County as a model that will assist counties throughout the section recruit and equip amateur radio operators to experience the joy of amateur radio and the satisfaction of serving their communities. This includes opportunities for both adult training and strategic youth education in schools, Scouting, and other organizations, assuring strength in amateur radio for decades to come.

Finally, through recruiting, training, and standing-ready a group of amateur radio operators to respond to disasters. The lesson of hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico is clear that a group of operators, similarly vetted, trained and led is necessary to respond to the threat of regional destruction. It is imperative that a team of capable operators, trained in a wide range of skills, be ready to deploy to affected areas.

It will be my honor and privilege to serve and work alongside each one of you!

You can follow me on Twitter at @TheRealKK4ECR