The AMSAT-NA Board of Directors has tapped Jerry Buxton, N0JY, to be AMSAT's Vice President of Engineering. In a special AMSAT meeting held via GoToMeeting on April 1, the board unanimously approved the selection of Buxton, who lives in Granbury, Texas. He replaces Tony Monteiro, AA2TX, who died March 26.

“Given the significance of completing Fox-1 for delivery on time later this year, the Board recognized that the Fox Program must continue under leadership that is focused on completing AMSAT's latest satellite,” an AMSAT announcement said. “Selecting a new VP-Engineering is an important step towards maintaining the momentum that was developed under Tony's leadership and to avoid creating an engineering leadership vacuum as work continues on the satellite.”

AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW, called Buxton “well qualified to become our new VP-Engineering.” Buxton worked with Monteiro on the Fox-1 program as systems engineer. “Just as important,” Baines added, “his management experience and ability to lead engineering teams is critical as our volunteers work hard to deliver the satellite to Cal Poly later this year.”

Buxton recently retired following a 39 year career with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. He became involved in Amateur Radio satellites with AO-7 and joined AMSAT in 1983. Buxton called his promotion to Vice President of Engineering “both a humbling honor and a great challenge.”

Steve Coy, K8UD, has joined the AMSAT-NA Board of Directors, assuming the seat formerly held by Monteiro. He was elected by the AMSAT membership as a Board alternate in the 2013 election and will hold a voting seat through the next Board of Directors election later this year. — Thanks to AMSAT News Service