A new Section Manager has been appointed in New Mexico. Ed James, KA8JMW, of Albuquerque, was named on June 11 to succeed Bill Kauffman, W5YEJ, who has resigned citing increased family responsibilities. Kauffman had served as New Mexico’s SM since 2012, and was the Section Emergency Coordinator for many years prior to that. James will complete the remainder of the current term, which continues through the end of the year.

ARRL Field Services and Radiosport Department Manager Dave Patton, NN1N, made the appointment after consulting with, and receiving the recommendation from, Rocky Mountain Division Director Brian Mileshosky, N5ZGT, and Vice Director Dwayne Allen, WY7FD.

A ham for 35 years, James has served as an Assistant Section Manager of New Mexico since 2012, and currently serves as an Assistant Director in the Rocky Mountain Division. He recently concluded a 30-year electrical engineering career at Sandia National Laboratories.

James comes from a ham radio family. His late father was WD8MMG. His wife Carol is N5ZYP, and all five of the couple’s daughters hold ham tickets and are ARRL members. Field Day is among his passions. “Most weekends I can be found operating from somewhere in the mountains of New Mexico,” James said in his QRZ.com biography. “I love operating from the field.”

Petitions to nominate candidates to serve as New Mexico Section Manager for the next 2-year term should be submitted to ARRL Headquarters by September 4.