ARDC is pleased to welcome our most recent addition to the Tech Team: 44Net Program Manager John Burwell KI5QKX, who joined our staff on November 4, 2024. His role will focus on ARDC’s 44Net community, leading related communications, development of documentation and training materials, and overseeing the administration of 44Net services, including the Portal and the Point-of-Presence (PoP) project. In joining the ARDC staff, John states, “ARDC has an incredible resource in its community. 44Net and the people behind it are living legends. It’s absolutely a privilege to help ARDC help hams. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this chapter of the ARDC story.”

About John

Based in Houston, TX, John brings an array of technology experiences to ARDC, including experiences at startups, well-established organizations, and community organizations. His previous work involved building infrastructure and software in industries ranging from newspapers to Houston’s energy sector, all of which he continually sought opportunities to learn, explore, and find new ways to help people benefit from communications technology.

John’s first exposure to amateur radio was during his days as a Scout. Though he didn’t get licensed immediately thereafter, he developed a curiosity in electronics, programming, networking, and the internet, which ultimately shaped his career. After several years of building wired and wireless networks for businesses, he was motivated to get an amateur radio license in 2021 upon discovering 44Net and wanting to get involved. Since becoming licensed, John enjoys exploring digital modes, packet bulletin board systems (BBSs), and wireless broadband systems, always searching for a way to get machines to talk to each other.

John is excited to help move 44Net operations forward securely, efficiently, and reliably, and he looks forward to engaging with the 44Net community and its pool of talent, experience, and expertise. Welcome to the team, John!