The ARRL is pleased to welcome Membership Manager Diane Petrilli, KB1RNF, to the Headquarters staff in Newington. Petrilli's key areas of responsibility include programs and activities that directly affect membership growth, engagement and retention. Petrilli is taking over the position from Katie Breen, W1KRB. Breen left in October.

Petrilli, who earned her Amateur Radio license on her fourth day at ARRL HQ, comes to the League with more than 15 years of experience in marketing and membership management, including nine years with the Connecticut Bar Association. "In my years with the Bar Association, I started out recruiting attorneys to do pro bono work and had the chance to design membership mailings, as well as write for our quarterly publication," she said. "I also designed and managed numerous databases and eventually stepped up to become their Marketing and Electronic Communications Manager." While in that position, Petrilli directed advertising, sales promotions, public relations and electronic media campaigns.

Petrilli said she is excited to be working at ARRL Headquarters: "I am happy to be here and have been made to feel very welcome. I am looking forward to being part of the ARRL family and getting to know our members. While I have quite a bit of experience working in an association setting, I am new to the field of Amateur Radio and so I may be reaching out to many of you in the upcoming weeks. I will be graciously asking for your help -- to share your knowledge, your ideas and passion for the Service. I look forward to meeting you all. As ARRL Membership Manager, I will draw on my experiences in marketing, membership recruitment and retention to build a stronger ARRL."

According to ARRL Sales and Marketing Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, Petrilli has an extensive background working with association members. "She also has a great deal of relevant experience in recruiting, working with volunteers and developing member benefits," Inderbitzen said. "Diane will join our efforts to serve and grow our vibrant national association. And, there's no better time! Amateur Radio continues to enjoy a resurgence of interest from among prospective and new licensees since license restructuring in 2007. There's a tremendous amount of opportunity for all of us that support ARRL and the Amateur Radio Service."

Inderbitzen said that the ARRL Membership Manager supports regular contact with members, and is also responsible for attracting new members. "All of us here at ARRL Headquarters have a responsibility to get to know our members, to listen to them and to effect positive change," he said.

ARRL Chief Operating Officer Harold Kramer, WJ1B, concurred: "We are pleased to welcome Diane to our staff. With her extensive background in membership organizations, I am sure that she will make a major contribution in providing excellent service to our members. Diane has many years experience in membership organizations. I am confident that she will continue to provide a high level of customer service to the ARRL membership."

Petrilli holds a BS in business administration from Alfred University and an MBA from the University of Connecticut with a concentration in marketing. Calling herself a "fanatical" water skier, Petrilli and husband Christian enjoy swimming, reading (she rates John Steinbeck as her favorite author), gardening, snow skiing and attending concerts.

Petrilli can be reached via e-mail.