Experienced leaders in amateur radio and radiosport, Jim Idelson, K1IR, and Pat Barkey, N9RV, have joined WWROF in roles that strengthen community engagement and support sound financial stewardship.
February 12, 2026 — The World Wide Radio Operators Foundation, Inc. (WWROF) today announced two leadership appointments — Jim Idelson, K1IR and Pat Barkey, N9RV — that strengthen the organization’s ability to deliver on its mission through complementary capabilities in community engagement and financial stewardship.
“WWROF has always believed that strong outcomes come from a strong, multi-faceted team,” said Tim Duffy, K3LR, Chairman of WWROF. “Jim and Pat are both long-time friends of the Foundation and bring valuable skills to strengthen the organization. We’re pleased to welcome them into these roles as we continue to invest in the experience, judgment, and capabilities needed to support radiosport — and amateur radio more broadly — with excellence today and resilience for the future.”
Jim Idelson, K1IR, has joined WWROF as Deputy Director, Advancement and Outreach. In this newly-created role, Idelson will focus on strengthening how WWROF engages its community in support of the organization’s mission, ensuring that outreach and advancement efforts are intentional, credible, and grounded in the foundation’s ability to deliver.
Idelson brings experience spanning on-air competition, organizational leadership, and strategic planning. He has worked closely with several amateur radio and radiosport organizations, with a focus on goal-setting, execution, and long-term sustainability.
“Community engagement is not the goal in itself,” said Idelson. “For an organization like WWROF, it’s how trust is built, participation grows, and mission goals are achieved. My focus is on helping ensure that WWROF engages its community in ways that are intentional, well-supported, and aligned with what our organization can deliver.”
Pat Barkey, N9RV, joins WWROF as Assistant Treasurer, bringing extensive experience in finance and economics and long-standing credibility within the global contesting community. In this role, Barkey will support the foundation’s financial oversight and stewardship, reinforcing WWROF’s commitment to sound governance, discipline, and accountability.
Barkey is widely respected for his contributions to contesting, station design, and mentoring operators across multiple generations. His perspective reflects both competitive rigor and a deep appreciation for the community that sustains radiosport worldwide.
The addition of Idelson and Barkey reflects WWROF’s ongoing commitment to thoughtful governance, operational excellence, and support of the global radiosport community.
ABOUT THE WORLD WIDE RADIO OPERATORS FOUNDATION
The World Wide Radio Operators Foundation, Inc. (WWROF) is an independent, international non-profit organization founded in 2009 by radio operators committed to advancing the skill, art, and responsible practice of radio operating.
WWROF strengthens amateur radio operating worldwide by encouraging active participation, improving operator proficiency, upholding standards of integrity, and supporting activities with a clear purpose—from international competition and technical excellence to education, youth development, and readiness to serve society in times of communications need.
The Foundation supports programs across the radiosport and amateur radio communities, including the World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC), youth initiatives such as YOTA camps, and operation and stewardship of the CQ family of contests.
For more information, visit www.wwrof.org.
