Phillip Groves, N8SFO, has been appointed as ARRL West Virginia Section Manager. Groves, of Beckley, succeeds the late Charles Hardy, WV8CH, of Fayetteville, who died on June 14, apparently as the result of accidental electrocution while working on an antenna at his home.

“This position will present me with new opportunities to further promote Amateur Radio participation and membership for radio clubs,” Groves told ARRL Headquarters.

Field Services and Radiosport Manager Dave Patton, NN1N, made the appointment, effective on June 30, after consulting with Roanoke Division Director Jim Boehner, N2ZZ, and Roanoke Division Vice Director Bill Morine, N2COP.

Groves, 56, has been a radio amateur since 1991 and is active within the ARRL National Traffic System (NTS) as net control station for the West Virginia Mid-Day Net and the NTS Eighth Region Net, and, as needed assists with the Eastern Area Net. He is a member of the Plateau Amateur Radio Association and the 8 Rivers Amateur Radio Club.

He was employed as an underground coal miner from 1977 until 1985, when he began work as a project manager-commercial contractor. He is now retired. When not hamming, he enjoys hunting and fishing, gardening, and road trips with his wife.

Groves will serve the remainder of the current term, which extends until September 30, 2017.