Patrick Doherty, VE3PD has resigned his position as President of Radio Amateurs of Canada. He succeeded long-time President J. Farrell Hopwood, VE7RD on Jan 1 this year. Like all other RAC Executive Officers and Directors, the RAC President is an unpaid volunteer. Under the RAC Constitution, First Vice President Doug Leach, VE3XK is Acting President until a new President can be elected by the RAC Board of Directors. During his four months in office, Mr Doherty brought about major changes in the operation and management of the organization. RAC, like many other national organizations, was faced with decreasing membership and consequent falling revenues during 1998. Mr. Doherty drastically cut RAC expenses in order to balance the budget for 1999. Purchases of The Canadian Amateur magazine were reduced to six issues per year from the previous eleven. A downsizing and realignment of head office staff and rented office space along with other cost-cutting measures have significantly reduced operating expenses. Following a significant loss in 1998, the financial situation is turning around. RAC membership also is now growing again after a low at yearend. President Doherty also reorganized the RAC management team to deal with
other changes in the Amateur Radio environment. He brought on board Treasurer John Watson,
VE3GTX and a new Vice President for Industrial Sincere thanks for his contributions to RAC and best wishes for the future
are extended to Mr Doherty.
Beginning May 1 1999, RAC Secretary Joe MacPherson VE1CH (ex-VE3CAT) has
taken on new outside responsibilities that will require almost all of his free time. He
has had to give up his post on the RAC executive. Like all other RAC Executive Officers
and Directors, the RAC Secretary is an unpaid volunteer. Former RAC Secretary-Treasurer
Ken Pulfer VE3PU, now Vice President International Affairs, has agreed to serve Mr MacPherson took up his duties as RAC Secretary on Jan 1, 1998. His background with Industry Canada, his dedication to Amateur Radio, and his extensive experience in emergency and disaster communications have been invaluable to RAC, and to Canadian amateur radio. His bulletins regarding the Swiss Air disaster and the role of amateur radio in support communications were an inspiration to all amateurs, and the basis for several articles in the amateur radio press within and outside Canada. Doug Leach - VE3XK
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