HomeMeet the Candidates

RCA Board Election

The Radio Club of America’s annual Board election provides members with an opportunity to help shape the leadership and future direction of the organization. Members will vote for candidates for both the Executive Committee (Officers) and the Board of Directors.

Officers / Executive Committee

Members will vote for candidates nominated for the RCA’s Officer positions on the Executive Committee. These leaders work closely with the Board and staff to provide organizational leadership, oversee RCA activities and initiatives, and help advance the association’s mission and strategic priorities.

Board of Directors

Members will also elect Directors who will serve as representatives of the RCA membership and participate in the governance and strategic oversight of the organization. Directors help guide RCA programs, events, membership initiatives, financial priorities, and the overall direction of the association.

Why Are Members Voting for Five Directors This Year?

Under normal circumstances, RCA members vote for five to seven Directors in each annual election. This year, however, the number of positions being filled through the election is five.

Two current Directors previously stepped in during an existing Board term to complete the service of Directors who left the Board before their terms ended. To maintain the Board’s intended staggered election rotation, their current terms will be extended to align with the appropriate election year. This preserves the planned continuity of Board service and ensures that Directors continue to rotate through the election process as intended.

As a result, five Director positions will be filled through the 2027 membership election. The remaining positions that would ordinarily be included in the annual election will remain available for future Board appointments when appropriate candidates are identified. This approach allows the RCA to maintain the intended Board structure and election rotation while providing flexibility to bring qualified individuals onto the Board as opportunities arise.

Please note: You must vote for exactly five (5) Directors. The online election system will require you to select five Director candidates before your ballot can be submitted.

The ballot also provides space for one write-in Director candidate. If you choose to write in a candidate, please clearly identify the individual in the designated write-in space. Write-in candidates may be considered as part of the election process in accordance with RCA governance procedures.

We encourage all RCA members to review the candidate information carefully and participate in this important annual election.

Your vote helps determine the leadership of the Radio Club of America and contributes to the continued strength, growth, and future of the organization.

Meet the Candidates

Below you will find all individuals running for election to the Board of Directors of the Radio Club of America. Review the information provided to make an educated vote.

CANDIDATE(S) FOR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Nick Pennance - M2016 - Incumbent

Biography:

Originally from England, I hold a BEng (Hons) in Communications Engineering from the University of Plymouth. My career began at Bell Northern Research (later Nortel Networks), developing embedded software for optical networks. I later joined Tait Communications in New Zealand, leading the design of P25 subscriber equipment before moving to the U.S. in 2010 to focus on P25 sales, certifications, and compliance.

I have held senior leadership roles at Icom and Tait, including Vice President of Engineering, President of Tait Americas, and Chief Revenue Officer, where I led global sales, engineering, and customer success teams. Currently, I am Vice President of Engineering at Eastern Communications, driving innovation and delivering mission-critical solutions for public safety and enterprise customers.

In addition to my professional role, I am honored to serve as Executive Vice President of the Radio Club of America and as a board member of the Enterprise Wireless Alliance (EWA). I also hold an Extra Class Amateur Radio license.

Position Statement:

I am committed to strengthening RCA’s role as the premier organization for wireless professionals by promoting education, fostering innovation, and expanding opportunities for the next generation of leaders in our industry.

CANDIDATE(S) FOR VICE PRESIDENT

Richard P. Biby, N3UW - M1994, F2000 - Incumbent
photo of Richard Biby

Biography:

Richard P. Biby, F, (N3UW) is the principal of Two-Hops Wireless, LLC in Leesburg, VA. Rich is a registered Professional engineer in VA and previously in many other states. Rich has a BS in Electrical Engineer and a MS in Telecommunications and Computers from George Washington University in Washington DC. He also holds an MBA from William and Marry in Williamsburg, VA. He started his career in communications via the broadcast regulatory industry. Rich specialized in database management, propagation analysis and modeling, developed commercial propagations software (“RF-CAD”), based on field collected and verified measurement data. In the 1990s, he specialized in the non-ionizing radiation safety industry, creating Sitesafe, which was acquired by Crown Castle International (“CCI”) in 2000. He later served as the CTO of CCI. He built many cellular towers with partners in Northern Virginia. He founded Waterford Consultants, and later started Two-Hops Wireless. He is the executive director of the Biby Foundation for Rural Broadband, the former CEO and publisher of AGL (Above Ground Level) magazine, and the CEO and Publisher of AGL Information & Technology. He is an RCA fellow, previous chairman of the scholarship committed and an editor of the proceedings and newsletter. He is also a Senior Member of the IEEE.

Position Statement:

If elected I will work diligently to keep RCA, the premier wireless professional and technical association. I learned of RCA at a young age (12 if I remember) through my father, an innovative RF engineer in the 1970s and beyond. I am honored to have served the club, it’s membership and legacy. I have also had the pleasure of working on various IEEE, TIA and other standards organizations, worked with PICA and closely with other trade organizations, including National Association of Tower Erectors. I believe deeply in developing the next generation of industry pioneers. I’ve had the fortune of meeting industry leaders, pioneers, and entreasures (largely through RCA). Learn from the past, drive to the future. This club serves as an instrumental conduit between the generations in our mutual science, community, and history. And yes, futurists.

CANDIDATE(S) FOR VICE-PRESIDENT/COUNSEL

Chester "Barney" Scholl Jr., K3LA M2016 - Incumbent

Biography:
Chester B. Scholl, Jr. (M 2016) graduated from the University of Miami BSSA and Dickinson School of Law JD, 1974. He is a partner in the law firm of Fruit, Dill, Goodwin and Scholl. He held a First Class Radio Telephone license, holds an Extra class amateur radio license, and has been licensed since 1963. He is a life member of ARRL, helps other amateurs with zoning and other related legal issues in his role as Volunteer Counsel through the ARRL as well as clients in his legal practice, and is a Volunteer Examiner for amateur radio testing. He teaches Amateur Radio and law classes and has presented at and moderated the Legal Forum at the Xenia Ohio Hamvention. He helped his local Emergency Services Council plan for a county radio system. He has been solicitor, board member and officer for a number of charitable organizations. He has represented a local cellular carrier in land acquisition and general matters and landowners in tower transactions and leases. He is a member of the City of Hermitage Planning Commission and has been solicitor for Township and Zoning Hearing Boards. He is a Trustee and past president of Mercer County Bar Association. He has been admitted to practice before Pennsylvania courts and the U. S. Supreme Court and Federal District Courts.

Position Statement:

I am running again for election as Vice President /Counsel for the Radio Club of America (RCA). Even though I have been involved in wireless most of my life and have heard of the Radio Club of America for years I had never joined. When the opportunity arose to get involved, I felt that I could add expertise based on my legal profession and knowledge of wireless. After I was elected in a special election in 2016 as Vice President/Counsel, I have since been re-elected. Since becoming an officer, I have started to learn the extent of the Club's members and activities. I look forward to continuing as an Officer to be able to contribute to the growth of the Club's activities both as counsel and with my experience in charitable organizations, both in the role as counsel and committees and hope to earn your vote in the coming election for Vice President/Counsel.

CANDIDATE(S) FOR VICE-PRESIDENT / CO-COUNSEL

Edward Ryan, KB2L, M2016 Incumbent

Biography:
Ed Ryan is a patent attorney and an amateur radio operator. Ed joined the RCA in 2016, with the twin goals of networking and staying current with developments in the wireless industry. Ed’s professional work has dealt with electronics, semiconductors, and wired and wireless network technologies, as well as trademarks and other intellectual property matters. His patent work includes patent applications for phased array antenna systems and mmWave transmission technologies. Other legal work has included prosecuting trademark applications, as well as intellectual property litigation in various forums.

Ed has a B.S. in Physics from Carnegie Mellon University (2005) and a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law (2008), and has been registered as a patent attorney since 2009. His experience with volunteer-run organizations spans two decades, including social organizations and a local civic organization.

Position Statement:

This year I have helped safeguard RCA’s intellectual property, by filing a trademark application for our new name and logo and by defeating a trademark application by American Radio Club, causing them to change their name. I hope to continue to strengthen RCA’s intellectual property and legal position and to support the board with counsel as legal matters arise.

CANDIDATE(S) FOR TREASURER

Andrew Maxymillian - M2004, F2016

First and foremost, I want to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to continue serving on the Board of Directors for the Radio Club of America. RCA is one of the most prestigious organizations in our industry and it is my privilege to have the ability to serve and give back to the organization.

Having reviewed the by-laws, I understand the responsibilities of this position, and I consider myself fully capable and experienced to perform the required tasks. My past experiences include board positions on other organizations, including the Project Management Institute (PMI), where I eventually rose to the position of IT & Telecommunications Board Chair. Also, my experience gained from owning and managing a company will prove to be invaluable in my tenure as Board Director.

My combined knowledge of the radio industry, along with my experience in serving as Vice Treasurer are the perfect combination for this position. I want to thank the RCA Board for the chance to be considered, and I hope to receive your vote.

CANDIDATE(S) FOR SECRETARY

Precious Fodor M2025ws

Precious Fodor Position Statement
I believe deeply in collaboration, service, and innovation—values that align closely with the mission of the Radio Club of America. My goal is to continue supporting the advancement of wireless communications while mentoring and inspiring the next generation of professionals who will carry this field forward.
From my experiences, I’ve developed a passion for the radio and communications industry and its role in protecting and connecting communities. My career has taken me from serving as a U.S. Navy Officer to my current role as National Service Manager at Eastern Communications Ltd., where I help lead teams supporting mission-critical radio systems for public safety and government agencies. I have seen firsthand how vital reliable communication is to every mission — and how collaboration and leadership make it possible.
Within RCA, I am the current Board Secretary, a member of Women in Wireless and would love the opportunity to continue to contribute even more by supporting other committees and initiatives that strengthen our community. Beyond RCA, I’ve been involved with the FIRST Robotics Alumni Association, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), IEEE, the Surface Navy Association, and the New York Veterans Association— helping high school students explore STEM, mentoring young women pursuing engineering and military careers, and supporting veteran leadership initiatives. If elected, I’ll bring that same dedication, organization, and collaborative spirit to the Secretary role — helping maintain clear communication, strengthen engagement, and ensure RCA continues to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators in wireless communications.

CANDIDATES FOR DIRECTOR

Dr. James K. Breakall, WA3FET (M2017, F2022, IEEE Life Fellow)

I joined the Radio Club of America in 2017 at the invitation of Tim Duffy and Dr. Chip Cohen, and I have been extremely pleased to be part of such a strong organization. When I was asked to run for the Board of Directors, I enthusiastically accepted and have greatly enjoyed serving alongside the RCA officers and directors.

During my terms as a Director from 2018–2020, 2020–2022, and 2022–2024, I have remained actively involved in RCA programs and committees. I have invited many colleagues to join RCA and have participated as a Director, Technical Symposium Chairman, Fellow, and member of the Education, Scholarship, and Membership Committees. I would welcome the opportunity to continue contributing to the organization and helping recruit new members.

My professional experience includes serving two terms on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer of the Applied Computational Electromagnetics Society, as well as serving on the boards of several startup companies. If elected, I would like to expand my involvement in RCA activities, including membership, elections, the Technical Symposium, Proceedings, fundraising, mentoring, and other areas where my experience can be useful.

I am particularly interested in supporting the Scholarship and Education Committees, where my experience as a professor and mentor can help advance RCA’s educational mission. I also hope to contribute new ideas that strengthen the organization while respecting and building upon its rich history.

Through my involvement with RCA, I have had the opportunity to meet many talented and experienced professionals, and I would like to continue introducing RCA to others who may not yet know about the organization. I have been involved in radio and wireless technology throughout my career and could not think of a better group of people with whom to work.

If I continue as a Director, I will do my best to always think of all of the members and continue the greatness of the RCA.

Karen Clark M1999, F2004

BIOGRAPHY

RCA Executive Secretary 2007-2013 and RCA Director 2003-2007 & 2013-2019, and 2023-present. Served on the Website Committee, Banquet Committee, Publication Committee, Regional Committee, Good & Welfare as well as Sponsorship Committee, and again on the Sponsorship Committee.

I have been in the industry for over 28 years, including working with Biby Publishing on AGL Magazine and PRIMEDIA Business Media on Mobile Radio Technology, Cellular business, RF Design and more.

Currently Project Manager with Telogistix and President of Colorado Wireless Association and Sponsorship Chair for the past 6 years

Received the RCA Special Services Award in 2002, RCA Special Recognition Award in 2013, Premier “Above & Beyond” Award in July 2001, and Outstanding Support Award in August 1998.

Previously Secretary/Treasurer for the Rocky Mountain Midget Racing Association for the past 12 years.

Position Statement

I am committed to the continuing effort to improve RCA and add the needed level of knowledge, both past and present.

Jack Gerbs RCA Life Member

Jack Gerbs, WB8SCT, of Springboro, Ohio, has more than 30 years of experience managing an IT consulting organization specializing in network infrastructure and technology solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. His expertise includes network design and implementation, strategic planning, business process design, and network and information security. Jack developed a managed services model designed to maximize system availability while reducing the overall costs of maintaining a computer network.

A longtime amateur radio enthusiast, Jack has been actively involved with the Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA) and Hamvention®. He served as Assistant General Chairman for the 2017 and 2018 Hamventions before being appointed General Chairman for Hamvention 2019. His experience in technology, organizational leadership, and the amateur radio community brings a valuable perspective to the Radio Club of America Board of Directors.

Charles Kirmuss, W0CBK, M2013, F2018

Candidate Bio:

Interested in electronics, shortwave listening, and amateur radio as a little boy, now an RCA Member and a Fellow, I am seeking re-election to the RCA Board. Over the last 4 decades I have pioneered developments in digital video and audio recording, GPS situational tracking and sending positional and text messages over radio and cellphone, as well as now bringing music back to life with vinyl record restoration process and with numerous patents applied and issued, I thus would share with the Club my management and organizational skills that would serve well and support my re-election. My diversified business acumen in serving as CEO for several Fortune 100 Company’s such as Garda Technology and GE should provide me the tools and experiences as well as lessons learned to further support the new Board and Executive with positivity, in meeting its planned goals to serve the RCA Membership and Community at large. My Consultancy side of my business where I assist organizations in their restructuring or advancing their market positions should also serve the Club well.

While organizations such as ours rely heavily on volunteers as a critical part sustaining club activities as well as creating and managing new initiatives, also as a retired volunteer firefighter/trainer and volunteer Director of my County’s search and rescue team and having volunteered as vice president in my Homeowner’s Association and local school committees, I believe that I have a capacity to share my past experiences and enthusiasm to the level of the Board.

Candidate Position Statement:

Since joining RCA, and with great pride as a Member, then a Fellow, and l, with the love and admiration of the heritage of the Club and looking forward to our future, took the initiative in one instance to support Carole Perry’s Youth Activities Programs, we now see these Youths graduate and now in career and industry leadership positions. In part due to the support of the Club. Over the past few years I have been nominated by the President to serve as Awards Chair. During my tenure I have focused on you, the Member, to partake in the nominations process. Of late now involving the Nominator in the process, including alerting the Awardee that their nomination was accepted by the Board of Directors. This adding of a personal touch to the process sees excitement of both Nominator and Nominee. Of course the Award recipient and Member elevated to RCA Fellow. I have been supportive of President Spindel in his outreach and now bringing new faces, like organizations and industry peers together to promote a resurgence of RCA in front of our peers. As an active Board Member have demonstrated my support and ideas as to the continued renewal of the organization. In the same breath, may I also encourage those Members that are retired or have time in their professional careers to volunteer in one of the many Committees that the Club has, or to support the new initiatives that will serve us well for another 100 plus years.

Respectfully submitted, I am soliciting your vote for re-election to the RCA Board.