The ARRL Board of Directors will meet Monday and Tuesday, July 21-22, in Hartford, Connecticut, The slightly altered scheduling of the July meeting takes advantage of the fact that most Board members will already be in town for the ARRL National Centennial Convention July 17-19.

International guests at the gathering will include IARU Vice President Ole Garpestad, LA2RR, and Radio Amateurs of Canada President Geoff Bawden, VE4BAW.

The Board will hear reports from ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN, and from other League officers. This will be the final Board meeting that ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH, will attend in her official capacity. Hobart has announced her retirement, effective July 31. She has served the League for 13 years and was behind the creation of The Diamond Club, The Diamond Terrace, The Maxim Society, and the Second Century Campaign, among other initiatives.

“During Hurricane Katrina, she virtually single handedly created the Ham Aid Program that provides new gear to amateurs who have lost their equipment in disasters,” ARRL Chief Operating Officer Harold Kramer, WJ1B, said in the August issue of QST. “Because of her efforts and those of her staff, she has raised millions of dollars for the ARRL and, ultimately, for the benefit of Amateur Radio.”

Kramer pointed out that Hobart also was one of the founders of the successful Teachers Institutes for Wireless Technology. Funded by voluntary contributions, the annual summer workshops help to better acquaint classroom teachers and educators with wireless technology and the science behind it.

At its meeting, the Board will receive reports from ARRL officers as well as committee and coordinator reports. The agenda also calls for proposals for amendments to the Articles of Association and Bylaws.

Individual ARRL Directors will also have an opportunity to speak and to submit motions.

Board committees will be meeting on Sunday, July 20, and that the full Board will consider their recommendations over the course of its meeting.