|
|
|
|
Vice Director David Norris (K5UZ)
640 Josephine Dr -
Batesville, AR 72501-6216
870-793-6431 - k5uz@arrl.org
Hello Delta Division! I am David Norris, K5UZ. I am 47 years old and a lifelong citizen of Batesville, Arkansas. I hold advanced degrees in civil engineering which I have worked on over the years from both Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas. I am a registered professional engineer, currently employed with the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD). I have worked in both the public and private sectors over the years in a variety of rolls from working for and as a consulting engineer, vice president/chief engineer of a precast, prestressed concrete construction firm, and as a bridge engineer for AHTD. I have had a blessed, exciting and well rounded life which has sent me around the world; giving me the opertunity to meet many great and unique individuals!
My wife Susan and I reside in Batesville, Arkansas where we
are involved with our church, family, service and charitable organizations such
as the Independence County Humane Society, Knights of Columbus. I
am also a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans/MOSB and the NRA.
I was first licensed in 1977 as WD5FUO, and I have been active off and on from various QTH’s around the world, and I have proudly held an extra class license for 21 years. I have been active from my current QTH in Batesville, Arkansas since 1987, growing a large antenna farm and an SO2R/Multi-two contest station over the years. I enjoy chasing DX with 341 DXCC entities confirmed, 5-Band DXCC, DXCC Challenge and DXCC Honor Roll. I have recently refurbished and reinstalled my VHF and UHF terrestrial station and am planning on getting back in to VUCC again. Also, I have started operating RTTY and PSK-31. I enjoy operating and I am passionate about this hobby as it was amateur radio that led me in to the engineering profession and has provided me with a rewarding pastime. Every kid should be as fortunate and I intend to promote this hobby to today’s youth with fervor!
I have held (and still hold) several positions in the field services division including EC, OO, VE, Volunteer Consulting Engineer and as Assistant SM for 12 years; hence service to the ARRL membership is nothing new to me and it has always been my pleasure to serve the amateur community. Coming up through the ranks of the ARRL has been a valuable experience and has given me a good perspective of how the ARRL functions, and where we have room for improvement. Also, being a civil engineer with experience in municipal planning and zoning will prove invaluable when dealing with antenna restriction issues.
Being a two-term SM in Arkansas has been the most valuable experience anyone can gain for the job of Vice Director. During my tenure as Arkansas SM we have implemented many new and innovative things such as working agreements with served agencies that helped us grow amateur radio in Arkansas. Of course I did not do these things alone; it was our hard working ARRL Field Organization Volunteers that made this a reality. The hard working ARRL members are the best! It is the membership that makes the ARRL function, and we should never forget that fact. Your input is critical and I will always listen to the members’ ideas on any pertinent matter and pass that information on to our Director, K5MC and HQ.
Finally, as we march into the 21st Century we see our hobby going through many changes. Change is essential as we either evolve or become extinct; however we must strive to preserve the best customs, traditions and institutions of amateur radio that have made this the “king of hobbies” for a century while also embracing new communication techniques and new electronic technologies to advance the radio art. I am really looking forward to working with Mickey, K5MC our director to make the needed changes in the ARRL and amateur radio for a positive, expanded future while preserving our past!