The Missouri ARRL Section relies on dedicated volunteers to support our core missions of emergency communications, traffic handling, technical education, and public information. While our Section Manager (SM) and Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) lead the effort, the real work is done by the entire team of appointed officials.
ARRL Section Leadership – Overview
Section Manager (SM) (Elected Position)
The Section Manager leads all ARRL Field Organization activity within the section. This includes appointing section-level coordinators, overseeing emergency-communications programs, working closely with clubs, coordinating section communications, and serving as the primary link to the Division leadership and ARRL Headquarters. The SM ensures the section remains active, informed, and responsive to member needs. Voting takes place from April 1 to the Friday before May 20, with elected terms beginning July 1 and ending December 31 of even-numbered years.
Assistant Section Manager (ASM)
The ASM supports the Section Manager by handling assigned leadership responsibilities such as assisting with administration, outreach, planning, or section communications. An ASM may oversee specific programs or serve as the SM’s alternate to ensure the section continues to function smoothly during the SM’s absence.
Assistant Section Traffic Manager (ASTM)
The ASTM assists the Section Traffic Manager in coordinating the section’s traffic-handling program. Responsibilities may include supporting traffic nets, helping with operator training, ensuring message-handling standards are followed, and acting as the alternate traffic lead during major drills or emergency operations.
Technical Coordinator (TC)
The Technical Coordinator directs the section’s technical program and manages all Technical Specialists. This role focuses on helping amateurs solve technical problems, address interference issues, promote experimentation and education, and support clubs with technical guidance. The TC is the section’s primary technical resource and adviser.
Affiliated Club Coordinator (ACC)
The ACC serves as the main contact for all ARRL-affiliated clubs in the section. Responsibilities include supporting club development, assisting new clubs with the affiliation process, helping existing clubs strengthen programs, and guiding clubs seeking Special Service Club status. The ACC helps ensure clubs remain active and engaged with the broader amateur-radio community.
Public Information Coordinator (PIC)
The PIC leads the section’s public relations efforts. This includes supporting Public Information Officers, preparing and distributing press releases, coordinating media campaigns, and promoting amateur radio in local and regional news outlets. The PIC helps shape the public’s understanding of amateur radio activities, events, and value.
State Government Liaison (SGL)
The SGL monitors state-level legislative and regulatory activity related to amateur radio. This includes tracking proposed laws, advocating for amateur radio interests, communicating with lawmakers when needed, and working closely with the SM and ARRL HQ. The SGL keeps members and leadership informed about state government issues affecting operations or privileges.
Section Youth Coordinator (SYC)
The SYC focuses on promoting youth engagement in amateur radio throughout the section. This includes supporting school clubs, scouting activities, youth licensing programs, and events that encourage young operators. The SYC works with clubs and section leadership to create opportunities that introduce more young people to amateur radio.
ARES Leadership – Overview
Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC)
The SEC is responsible for all ARES activity and emergency communications planning within the section. Duties include coordinating with served agencies, guiding District and Emergency Coordinators, overseeing statewide drills and training, maintaining readiness programs, and providing leadership during activations. The SEC ensures that ARES remains capable, organized, and responsive.
Assistant Section Emergency Coordinators (ASECs)
ASECs help the SEC by managing key portions of the ARES program. Assignments may include training development, digital-mode operations, statewide planning, coordination with agencies, or overseeing reporting and documentation. ASECs provide essential support and may act as alternates during major operations.
Assistant District Emergency Coordinators (ADECs)
ADECs assist District Emergency Coordinators with managing ARES activity across multi-county districts. They may focus on coordination, logistics, technical support, training, or acting as operational backups during activations. ADECs help maintain district-level organization and communication.
District Emergency Coordinators (DECs)
DECs oversee ARES activity at the district or multi-county level. They guide local ECs, coordinate district-wide training and exercises, consolidate monthly reports, and support mutual-aid operations between counties. The DEC ensures consistent readiness and communication among the district’s counties.
Emergency Coordinators (ECs)
ECs lead ARES operations within an individual county or jurisdiction. Responsibilities include maintaining relationships with served agencies, recruiting and training volunteers, running nets and drills, managing local activations, and keeping rosters and reports up to date. ECs are the primary leaders for ARES at the local level and are essential to day-to-day emergency-communications readiness.