March 23, 2006

New EVLA Project Manager Named

From Jim Ulvestad, NRAO Assistant Director

When Peter Napier announced that he would step down from his position as the Expanded Very Large Array (EVLA) Project Manager, the Observatory initiated a broad search for his replacement. This search has now been completed, and I am pleased to announce that Mark McKinnon has agreed to serve as the next EVLA Project Manager, effective April 3, 2006. Mark has previously been the Deputy Project Manager for the EVLA, and he has also functioned as the Interim EVLA Project Manager since Peter Napier moved to the ALMA Project in late January 2006. As EVLA Project Manager, Mark will be responsible for maintaining schedule and budget in delivering all the scientific requirements for the EVLA.

Mark first joined the NRAO as a Research Assistant in Socorro in 1986, and was a Jansky Postdoctoral Fellow at Green Bank from 1992 to 1994. After completing his postdoctoral work, Mark moved into a Scientist role at Green Bank and served as the Deputy Assistant Director there from 1997 to 2001. Since 2001, he has been the Deputy Assistant Director for VLA/VLBA Operations in Socorro, with responsibility for the Electronics and Engineering Services Divisions. To permit Mark to concentrate on his important new role as EVLA Project Manager, he will step down from the Deputy Assistant Director position on April 3. At that time, all the Divisions of VLA/VLBA Operations will report directly to me. A number of Mark's previous responsibilities will be delegated to the appropriate Division Heads.

Mark's experience and skills are an excellent match to the requirements of his new position. I am confident that Mark's management will guarantee the astronomical community and the NRAO continued excellent progress in the EVLA Project.

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