Hamvention®  2007 Amateur of the Year

Jim Haynie, W5JBP, was selected as 2007 Amateur of the Year for his many contributions to amateur radio both before and during his three terms as President of the ARRL from 2000 to 2006.  As his nominator noted, "…it was Jim's energy, tenacity and attention to detail that has transformed the American Radio Relay League from the service organization it was prior to 9/11 into the pro-active, vital emergency service clearing house and educational operation that it is today."

Haynie began his service to the ARRL Board in 1987 as West Gulf Division Director and was elected ARRL Vice President in 1990.  In 1997 he again became Director of the ARRL West Gulf Division and was elected President of the ARRL in 2000 to the first of three terms. 

 One of his first successes as President was to establish the League’s “Amateur Radio Education and Technology Program” also known as “The Big Project” as an effort to bring young people into amateur radio.  Among the biggest challenges Haynie faced during his ARRL tenure was the Broadband over Powerline (BPL) battle.  He made numerous trips to Washington to testify before Congress and the FCC regarding the threat BPL poses to radio communication.  He went on camera in 2005 in the video “The ARRL Goes to Washington” to clearly state the ARRL position on BPL and has been a forceful advocate for limiting BPL communication interference.

Homeland security has been another priority for Haynie and in June of 2003, he signed a formal Statement of Affiliation between the Department of Homeland Security and the ARRL.  He helped get recognition for the contributions of amateur radio to emergency communication following the World Trade Center attack and Hurricane Katrina.    Jim has left an indelible and very positive mark on both  the Amateur Radio Service and the ARRL.